The Baltimore County Council has passed a new ordinance aimed at increasing safety at hookah and vapor lounges by mandating tighter security measures. The bill, passed unanimously on Monday, will require these establishments to have a minimum of two licensed security guards on duty during all open hours.
The ordinance stipulates that the number of required guards will increase based on the business’s occupancy. It also includes an amendment, introduced by Councilman Julian Jones (D-District 4), which establishes heightened security hours from 7 p.m. until one hour after closing.
Councilman Jones noted that the amendment was designed to address incidents that often happen outside the venues. “A lot of these incidents occur in the parking lot or outside the establishment, so you come in the establishment, they search you to make sure you don’t have any weapons,” he said, adding that hookah lounges often get a “bad rap.”
The new law has been met with approval from nearby business owners and workers, who have expressed concerns about rowdy crowds. They believe the additional security will make the area safer for everyone.
“I think this is a good idea, because it is going to make the area safer,” said Zee, who works near a lounge. “It’s going to bring in more business.”
Another local worker, Nadeem, echoed the sentiment. “It saves them, their customers and all the people around. So, I think it is a good idea,” he stated.
In addition to the security guard requirement, the ordinance outlines several other regulations:
- Businesses must be located at least 200 feet from residential areas.
- Continuous video surveillance of off-street parking lots and public entrances is mandatory.
- Video recordings must be retained for at least 90 days.
- Establishments must comply with all local noise level laws.
- The bill is set to go into effect later in October.
