Baltimore County hookah and vapor lounges are set to adopt new safety measures as the County Council passed an ordinance requiring them to have licensed security guards on duty during specific hours. According to WBALTV, this move comes in response to concerns about rowdy crowds associated with these establishments, mainly occurring outside of the premises, and aims to bolster the safety of the surrounding areas. Nearby businesses have voiced their approval, hoping for a more secure and favorable environment for commerce.
The decision, which takes effect later in October, mandates at least two security guards to be present from 7 p.m. until an hour after closing, and the number of guards required will scale with the venue’s occupancy, while also stipulating that lounges must be at least 200 feet from residential areas and maintain video surveillance over parking and public entries, the WBALTV reported. Councilman Julian Jones, who introduced an amendment to the bill, pointed out that many incidents tend to occur in the parking lot and that pre-entry searches can prevent weapons from coming inside. He expressed his view that the hookah lounges are often unfairly criticized for issues that transpire outside their establishments.
Dubious on the specifics of the ordinance, Councilman Izzy Patoka mentioned during the council meeting that he had never visited a hookah lounge and suggested a need for further understanding, a sentiment echoed by Councilman Todd Crandell, who called for a more informed approach, as detailed in a report by WYPR. The debate centered around whether the guards were necessary throughout all operating hours or just during the night, resulting in a last-minute amendment drafted by Jones to begin heightened security measures at 7 pm, arguably reflecting the peak time for potential disturbances.
