The Planning Commission is set to vote on new zoning rules that would force five North Baltimore liquor stores to move their business or stop selling liquor.
Last summer the Baltimore City Health Department recommended banning liquor stores from operating in the middle of residential blocks as part of the Transform Baltimore zoning update.
Last summer—citing research done by Johns Hopkins linking liquor stores to violence—Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot advocated for the rule changes. She said the city’s population had declined by 31 percent in the past 40 years but the number of liquor stores had stayed consistent.
"In addition, almost three-quarters of the alcohol outlets operating outside of the zoning code are primarily concentrated in the poorest area of the city," Barbot said at that time.
The five stores in North Baltimore in danger of being closed are The Wine Underground, Roland Park Wines and Liquors, JT’s Market and Deli, The Schnapp Shop and New Guilford Liquors.
In all, the city would force 98 liquor stores citywide to move or stop selling liquor.
The commission is set to vote on the changes at 5 p.m., Thursday at 417 E. Fayette Street
Even if the commission approves the changes they would still have to be approved by the Baltimore City Council.
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