News Summary
The Greene Turtle in Towson is set to close by year-end following a liquor license suspension linked to its chaotic ‘Thirsty Thursday’ events. The bar, impacted by safety concerns and revenue loss, has faced community pressure and legal issues, marking a dramatic end to its short-lived tenure since 2022. Local patrons express disappointment as police increase measures to ensure public safety during the upcoming closure.
Towson – The Greene Turtle, a popular bar and restaurant located in Towson, is scheduled to close by the end of this year following a liquor license suspension imposed by the Baltimore County Liquor Board. The suspension stems from issues related to the bar’s notorious “Thirsty Thursday” promotions that have led to large, unruly crowds and numerous safety concerns.
During a recent hearing for the Baltimore County Board of Liquor License Commissioners, the CEO of Greene Turtle, Geo Concepcion, announced the planned closure of the establishment. The bar had already faced penalties including a fine for serving alcohol to a minor and has been mandated to halt all alcohol sales on Thursdays throughout the month of October.
This decision follows a viral social media video from August, which depicted a chaotic Thirsty Thursday event at the Greene Turtle. The footage highlighted crowd control problems, which culminated in the shutting down of York Road due to overcrowding. Local law enforcement reported instances of reckless behavior from dirt bikers in the area, including one incident where a dirt biker collided with a police officer and another incident where a pedestrian was hit.
Concerns regarding the safety of the Greene Turtle’s patrons and the surrounding community have been echoed by local officials. Council Chairman Mike Ertel raised questions about the bar’s security measures, suggesting that the closure of the Greene Turtle might not have a negative impact on Towson.
In the wake of the decision to suspend promotions, Concepcion reported a significant decline in revenue, estimating an annual loss of approximately $600,000. The Greene Turtle was established in 2022 at a cost of $4 million and was billed as the company’s flagship location. However, it has now become known as the “most expensive and shortest-lived project” in the company’s 50-year history.
Local patrons expressed visible dismay over the impending closure, indicating that the Greene Turtle played an important role in the social landscape and community interactions within Towson. Police have since increased their presence in the area due to the ongoing safety concerns linked to overcrowding and disturbances associated with the Thirsty Thursdays events.
According to a police report, roughly 800 patrons were gathered outside the Greene Turtle during one particular event in early August, which was marred by fights both inside and outside the establishment. Incident reports noted a total of eight arrests following the disturbances stemming from these chaotic events.
After facing citations and community pressure from local authorities regarding safety and social impact, the Greene Turtle made the decision to cease its promotions. Other bars in the Towson area may also run into problems with their alcohol licenses due to similar incidents involving the service of minors.
In light of the changing business conditions in Towson, Concepcion noted that the company plans to work with the landlord to facilitate a lease termination. As the year-end closure approaches, the ambiance and activity surrounding the Greene Turtle will soon be a part of Towson’s history.
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Greene Turtle’s Liquor License Suspended Amid Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Towson Greene Turtle location to close after Thirsty Thursday fallout
- Google Search: Greene Turtle Towson
- WMAR2 News: Greene Turtle in Towson has liquor license suspended
- Google Scholar: Greene Turtle
- WBALTV: Greene Turtle plans to close flagship Towson location
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcohol License
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Greene Turtle bets big with sports wagering
- Google News: Towson bar safety concerns
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
