News Summary
The Greene Turtle in Towson, Maryland has had its liquor license suspended by Baltimore County authorities due to safety risks stemming from unruly crowds during its Thirsty Thursday events. Despite efforts to boost revenue through promotions, numerous violent incidents have raised alarms among local officials and business owners. The establishment faces significant financial losses and possible closure as police increase their presence in the area. This situation highlights the delicate balance between nightlife attractions and community safety.
Towson, Maryland – The Greene Turtle has officially had its liquor license suspended by Baltimore County officials, which will prevent the popular establishment from serving alcohol every Thursday in October. This decision comes following numerous reports of unruly crowds and disturbances during its Thirsty Thursday events, prompting concerns regarding safety in the area.
In an effort to boost business, the Greene Turtle implemented promotional events, featuring a notable DJ that attracted patrons from as far away as Washington, D.C. However, the influx of college students and other visitors quickly led to dangerous situations, with authorities frequently needing to intervene. Police reports indicate that violent incidents occurred, particularly during a significant crowd event in August that saw an estimated 800 individuals congregating outside the bar. This not only resulted in crowd control challenges but also led to fights breaking out, requiring police intervention and the use of mace.
Earlier this year, the Greene Turtle faced additional scrutiny when it was fined $1,000 for serving alcohol to a minor and cited for disturbances affecting the local neighborhood. In response to escalating safety concerns and declining business, the Greene Turtle has agreed to terminate its Thirsty Thursday promotions. The establishment now anticipates a staggering loss of around $600,000 in annual revenue as a result.
According to Geo Concepcion, the CEO of Greene Turtle, the business location may be forced to shut down by the end of the year due to rapidly deteriorating business conditions. In light of the issues surrounding the bar, Baltimore County Police have increased their presence in the area, implementing foot patrols and issuing citations for open container violations. The massive lines outside the Greene Turtle often stretched around the block, drawing crowds that did not support other local businesses.
Local business owners have voiced their concerns, suggesting that the promotions at the Greene Turtle have negatively impacted the community and safety. Baltimore County Council Chairman Mike Ertel acknowledged that while closing the Greene Turtle may not be ideal, it could ultimately benefit the Towson community overall.
The Greene Turtle, which opened in 2022 at a construction cost of approximately $4 million, has become known as the most expensive and shortest-lived project in the company’s history. As the operators seek a termination agreement with their landlord in preparation for an impending closure, additional police reports have noted reckless behavior, including incidents involving dirt bikers. One reported incident involved a dirt biker colliding with a police officer, further highlighting the dangerous environment surrounding the establishment. On August 28 alone, eight arrests were made during disturbances in the vicinity of the Greene Turtle.
Before the suspension of its liquor license, the Greene Turtle had already been cited multiple times throughout the year for operational violations. The sequence of events unfolding around the bar illustrates the broader implications for the Towson area, raising questions about the balance between nightlife attractions and community safety.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Towson Greene Turtle Location to Close After Thirsty Thursday Fallout
- WMAR2 News: Greene Turtle in Towson Has Liquor License Suspended
- WBAL TV: Greene Turtle Plans to Close Flagship Towson Location
- The Banner: Greene Turtle Towson Closing Thirsty Thursday
- Wikipedia: Towson, Maryland
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.
