Baltimore City leaders pass bill to padlock smoke shops accused of illegal sales
BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The Baltimore City Council voted Monday to pass a bill to strengthen the police department's power to padlock smoke shops that repeatedly sell unlicensed cannabis or controlled dangerous substances.
The bill, which was introduced by Council President Zeke Cohen and Councilmember Antonio Glover, is now set to be signed by Mayor Brandon Scott.
"This is just one of the moves as we move forward to making sure that we do not create a new generation of addicts in the city of Baltimore," Glover said during Monday's City Council meeting.
ALSO READ | Baltimore leaders advance bill to padlock smoke shops accused of illegal sales
The legislation was introduced to City Council on May 11 following a hearing in the Legislative Investigations Committee that revealed there was no effective process to padlock smoke shops that sell cannabis illegally or sell controlled dangerous substances.
Officials said data from the Maryland Court System shows that about 1,400 city businesses are licensed by the state to sell tobacco.
Councilmembers heard testimony on Sept. 10 that sometimes "predatory" smoke shops sell untested, unregulated and dangerous substances, including to children.
During the meeting, Nathan Ferrell, of the Baltimore City Teachers Union, highlighted the impact on students.
"We see the impact every day, the cannabis products, the vapes, the edibles. They're showing up in our schools, they are affecting learning attendance, engagement, school climate," Ferrell previously said.
When the bill is enacted, it will require the Baltimore Police Department to seek an abatement order from the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for any business that gets two citations for illegally selling cannabis or a controlled dangerous substance. Following an administrative proceeding, OAH can issue a proposed abatement order, which officials said may include padlocking a business. Police must then abate the nuisance within 15 days.
"Once again, the council is sending a clear message. We welcome grocery stores. We welcome local small businesses," Cohen said during the Sept. 28 City Council meeting. "We do not welcome predatory smoke shops within our city. The expectations are high. If someone repeatedly violates the law, they may face penalties up to being padlocked."
If you want to come here, all we ask is that you operate the right way. Do not sell poison to our kids or our communities, and operate with respect and dignity," Cohen added.
Residents who have concerns about a smoke shop in their neighborhood, including suspected illegal sales or sales to juveniles, are asked to call 911.
Read the third-reader version of Bill 26-0193 in full above
Watch officials hold a press conference before the City Council meeting at the video above