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Baltimore delegation moves favorable report on emergency CIAA promoters permit bill
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Summary
The Baltimore City Senate delegation moved a favorable report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency extension of an events/promoters permit tied to the CIAA tournament; witnesses from the Liquor Board and VISIT Baltimore urged the permit restores revenue opportunities for small businesses and helps coordinate public safety. The delegation left the vote open until 09:30 to allow additional members to cast ballots.
The Baltimore City Senate delegation moved a favorable report on Senate Bill 17 on Friday, advancing an emergency extension of an alcoholic-beverages events/promoters permit tied to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament.
Senator Antonio Hayes, sponsor of the bill, told the delegation the permit is necessary to restore authority that expired on June 30, 2025, before next month’s CIAA tournament. "This permit provides additional revenue that could go to scholarships for the 13 Historically Black colleges and universities," Hayes said, and it helps the city and its services — including the liquor board, police and fire — plan and staff for the weekend’s events.
Michelle Wertzberger, deputy executive secretary of the Baltimore City Liquor Board, testified the Liquor Board supports the bill because it "establishes a mechanism by which our liquor licensees, most of whom are small businesses, can capitalize on the excitement" while giving the board notice to staff and plan enforcement. She identified Matt Akheimer (community liaison) and Chief Inspector David McGinnis as colleagues available for questions on community engagement and enforcement.
Kareem Swinton, interim president and CEO of VISIT Baltimore, also urged a favorable report, citing economic figures attributed to the CIAA’s presence in Baltimore. "Since bringing the CIAA tournament to Baltimore, it’s generated over $100,000,000 in economic impact," Swinton said, adding the tournament has supported "$10,000,000 in state and local tax revenue." Swinton also referenced 2025-specific figures, saying the tournament generated "$27,400,000 in total economic impact" and "more than $415,000,000 in direct spending." These figures are reported here as stated to the delegation.
After remarks and questions, Senator Hayes moved that the delegation give Senate Bill 17 a favorable report; Chair Washington seconded. Members present voiced their support, and the chair noted the delegation would keep the vote open until 09:30 today so other members could cast ballots.
Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on SB 17 the previous day, Hayes said, and if the delegation’s favorable report stands it plans to vote on the bill on Tuesday. The emergency designation is intended to restore the permitting authority in time for the CIAA tournament.
The delegation also received written testimony from the Liquor Board and was told administration materials and PowerPoint slides on the measure will be shared with members in advance of further consideration. The delegation left the vote open to allow remote members to participate; no final, roll-call outcome was recorded during the meeting.
