Baltimore liquor board fines three establishments after hookah and sanitation inspections

The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City on April 9 issued fines to three establishments after inspectors or license holders admitted violations involving hookah use and sanitation deficiencies.

Ibis International, 6014 Harford Road (listed in the record as Ignatius Anyaka of Defaka Defaco Torns Inc., trading as Ibis International), faced alleged hookah use and sanitation problems from a January 9, 2026 inspection. Counsel Stevie/Steve W. Folkman said the owner “learned his lesson” and that the establishment had completed renovations and re‑inspections. Counsel told the board the apparent hookah use stemmed from a vendor who brings hookah devices into clubs and from an ex‑manager who failed to communicate prior notices to the owner. The board found violations of rule 3.081B (sanitation and safety) and rule 3.092 (restroom facilities and health regulations) and imposed fines of $500 and $250 respectively, with 30 days to pay.

At Sangria LLC (930 North Charles Street) Baltimore City Police Agent Tuttle testified that on March 7 he and an inspector observed patrons smoking two charcoal hookahs inside and informed the manager, identified in the record as Rex Murray, that charcoal hookah use is not allowed. Agent Tuttle noted a prior November 2024 violation. The board found a violation of rule 3.081B and imposed a $1,000 fine, payable within 30 days. Agent Tuttle told the board, “upon entering the establishment, we observed patrons sitting and smoking two charcoal hookahs inside.”

Walker Sports Bar (902 South Charles Street) admitted to multiple violations from task‑force inspections on March 6 and March 22, 2026. Owner William Walker and manager Jasmine Jones described operational challenges after a recent opening and said they are taking steps to comply; Walker said he believed some hookah products were non‑tobacco and complained of what he described as profiling during enforcement contacts. Inspector Jordan and Chief Inspector David McGinnis reported seeing hookah and social‑media advertising for events; McGinnis said he “observed hookah being smoked at multiple tables.” The board accepted admissions and found violations for sanitation, cooperation and hookah use, imposing fines of $200, $300 and $200 respectively (total $700), with 30 days to pay. The board encouraged the licensees to work with staff and use available board resources to avoid repeat appearances.

All fines were ordered payable within 30 days. Board staff noted prior violations in some files and recorded community opposition letters in certain cases. The board recessed to its next meeting on April 16, 2026.