LALNA.ORG
Like a Loud Neighbor, State Fare is There.
Liquor Board Hearing
December 6th, 2021
State Fare
for Disturbance of the Neighborhood
Write to your leaders:
Mr. Micheal Mohler
Liquor Board Chief Administrator:
Mr. C. Pete Gutwald
Director, PAI (office of)
paienforce@baltimorecountymd.gov
Councilman Tom Quirk
council1@baltimorecountymd.gov
MISSION:
LALNA.org is a resource for and by Catonsville neighbors to address growing disturbances following introduction of the Live Musical Entertainment Act of 2021. This act specifically grants venues like State Fare unlimited, unconditional permission to broadcast any form of "Live Musical Entertainment" (including DJ's, karaoke, or just an iPod). Neighbors have spoken, but their concerns are not being addressed by County leaders, and some are being ridiculed and even threatened on social media by local business (not State Fare- you know who you are).
No hate in 21228.
What is the problem?
1. State Fare is LOUD. Reports of noise are growing, from as far as 695 and the high school. Many folks don't even realize where the noise is coming from. It's from the tent.
2. County leaders are letting it continue. The County is aware of the problem and has called for a Liquor Board Hearing on December 6th, for "Disturbance of the Neighborhood." Meanwhile, the County granted State Fare a new permit (on November 17th, 2021) to continue playing. Yes, after calling for a hearing.
3. There is virtually no check on increasing disturbances. State Fare is just the beginning of an experiment to turn all of the 'Ville into a private nightclub, then see how much noise (figuratively and literally) it generates.
Councilman Quirk's original proposed music legislation in 2019 limited venues to 6 outdoor shows per year, included consultation with the Fire Department on audience size, and enabled the Chief of Police to shut down events. These checks were scrubbed. Now the only recourse for residents is to call the police a lot, and with "severity"- yes that is how the law describes a phone call complaint.
What Should Be Done?
There needs to be reasonable limits and checks in place before a show starts, and before a permit is issued. Self control is not going to work. State Fare and the County zoning office are evidence of that. The County Council must reconsider limits on number of outdoor shows, and if special rules should be put into place specifically for tented "outdoor" venues. Better yet, aim to deliver a logical indoor venue (see Plymouth Wallpaper idea). Catonsville is already full of music lovers, so the argument isn't one of music or supporting local businesses. It's about the businesses respecting the neighborhood.
The County also needs to better communicate and maintain transparency with the community. New permits, and especially hearings, should be better publicized.
Demand Action.
Write to your local leaders.