News Summary
Towson has intensified its crackdown on underage drinking, leading to fines imposed on local bars Kent House and World of Wine for serving alcohol to minors. Following undercover operations, Kent House was fined $250, while World of Wine faced a $750 penalty. Both establishments have committed to improving ID checks, with plans to install ID scanners. The Greene Turtle also faces scrutiny, announcing its closure by year-end due to ongoing issues. Local leaders are optimistic about ensuring a safer drinking environment in Towson’s nightlife.
Towson has seen a recent crackdown on underage drinking, leading to fines for two local bars, Kent House and World of Wine, after both establishments were found to have served alcohol to minors. The Baltimore County Board of Liquor License Commissioners imposed a fine of $250 on Kent House and a $750 fine on World of Wine following undercover stings in which police cadets were able to purchase drinks without being asked for identification.
The board acknowledged that both bars took responsibility for their actions, with management at each venue admitting to their lapses. Gundeep Singh, the owner of World of Wine, explained that confusion arose during an incident when a police cadet ordered four drinks and distributed them to others, leading the bartender to neglect proper ID checks. During this time, security personnel who typically ensure identification checks were not present, and the bartender had yet to complete her alcohol awareness training.
Singh has indicated plans to enhance their operations by introducing an ID scanner to better prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, George Georges, owner of Kent House, reported that a police cadet was served while a doorman was tardy to provide security checks at the entrance. Georges emphasized the venue’s dedication to improving security, also considering the addition of an ID scanner in light of this incident. It is worth noting that Kent House had not faced any underage violations since 2015, a point the board recognized during the proceedings.
In another development, Charles Village Pub is currently facing charges for allegedly serving a minor. However, their hearing regarding the violation has been postponed until November 3.
Separately, The Greene Turtle in Towson, which had previously lost its liquor license for Thursdays due to a repeated history of serving minors and an event that got out of control with 800 patrons spilling into the streets, has announced plans to close by the end of the year. This decision follows various incidents that have raised concerns about underage drinking in the area.
Local business leaders have praised the community’s proactive measures to ensure safe drinking environments within Towson’s bar scene. Nancy Hafford, the Executive Director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, remarked that the police presence has noticeably increased, resulting in more checks at local bars and a greater focus on compliance with underage drinking laws. Hafford contested claims from The Greene Turtle regarding declining business conditions in Towson, emphasizing that the region remains vibrant with numerous dining and drinking options.
In light of the recent crackdown, patrons of the local bars have expressed a desire for the establishments to remain operational while effectively addressing the issue of underage drinking. Many community members hope that these measures will contribute to a safer drinking environment, assuring that both patrons and employees abide by the legal drinking age to maintain the integrity of local nightlife.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Towson Bars Fined
- Wikipedia: Underage Drinking in the United States
- The Banner: Baltimore County Liquor Board
- Google Search: Towson Minors Liquor Violations
- Fox Baltimore: Towson Bars Fined for Selling to Minors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcoholism
- WMAR: Two Towson Bars Fined
- Google News: Towson Bars Underage Drinking
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
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