Baltimore City Council approves bill to padlock repeat-offender smoke shops

The Baltimore City Council has approved legislation that would grant police the authority to shut down smoke shops that repeatedly violate laws regarding the sale of unlicensed cannabis or controlled dangerous substances. The bill, which now moves to Mayor Brandon Scott for consideration, aims to target businesses that continue to operate despite previous raids, citations, and fines.

Under the proposed measure, the Baltimore Police Department could request an abatement order from the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings after a business receives two citations for illegal sales. If an administrative hearing results in the business being declared a nuisance, authorities could be authorized to padlock the property.

City Council President Zeke Cohen noted that the measure responds to resident concerns regarding smoke shops reopening shortly after enforcement actions. Other concerns raised by residents include the proximity of these shops to children and the use of bright signage to attract customers. There are approximately 1,400 state-licensed tobacco smoke shops currently operating in Baltimore.