Board fines four Baltimore licensees over sanitation, operating and obscenity violations

The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City heard contested violation cases on Jan. 30 and imposed fines ranging from nominal amounts to more substantial penalties after testimony from inspectors, agents and licensees.

Sugar Hill Tavern (HBS Enterprise Inc.) — 2361 Druid Hill Ave. The board found violations of rule 4.20(b) (prohibited activities by license type) for failing to open the tavern area for on‑site consumption when the packaged goods area was open (Sept. 18 and Nov. 19, 2024) and rule 4.17(2) (storage) for alcohol stored directly on the floor without six inches clearance (Sept. 18, 2024). Counsel admitted the violations on the record. The board imposed fines totaling $450 ($150 + $150 + $150) with 30 days to pay; the chair described a history of violations but noted the licensee was taking steps to change the type of license and address the storage issue.

Ritchie’s Lounge — 1600 West Baltimore St. Inspectors reported overflowing, uncontained trash in the rear of the premises on Oct. 22, 2024, including alcohol packaging in the piled refuse. Licensee Richard Nelson denied deliberate neglect and explained the property is frequently used by others as an informal dumping site; he said he pays contractors to clean and stores trash inside a fenced area. Inspectors said they observed overflowing trash at arrival. Commissioners discussed the ongoing nature of the problem; the chair imposed a $100 fine with 30 days to pay but one commissioner remarked that repeated offenses could trigger higher fines if not resolved.

Bayview Liquors — 3804 Eastern Ave. Inspectors (Agent Perez and Inspector Jordan) testified that, following a social‑media advertisement for a “spicy” show, undercover observations indicated exotic dancing and a performer picking up bills from the floor on Oct. 19, 2024. The licensee’s manager and owner denied knowledge; the board received a social‑media flyer and pictures submitted by inspectors. After weighing inspector testimony and photographic evidence, the board found a violation of rule 4.152 (lewd or obscene practices) and imposed a $250 fine with 30 days to pay. Counsel objected to hearsay elements but the board accepted inspector accounts and the posted flyer as evidence.

JANO Ethiopian & Lounge — 34 South Utah St. Inspectors cited the establishment for unsanitary kitchen conditions, restroom deficiencies (no toilet paper, soap or paper towels in a women’s restroom) and illegal indoor smoking (hookah and cigarettes) on Sept. 7, 2024. Counsel and the licensee admitted the violations and described operational disruptions after a Sept. 22, 2024, fire that left the premises temporarily closed; counsel asked the board to consider the fire and financial hardship. The board imposed nominal fines of $100 for each count (three violations) with 30 days to pay and noted that a license dormant for 90 days cannot be reactivated without the board’s consent.

Commissioners emphasized licensee responsibility for monitoring premises, maintaining sanitation, and preventing prohibited activities. Board staff accepted exhibits into the record, including inspection reports, photographs and a social‑media post used as corroborating evidence in the Bayview case.

Ending The board entered penalties and made findings on the record, with each fine and timeline for payment announced during the meeting. Staff were directed to post disposition updates to the board website.