Baltimore Bars Go Smoke-Free as New Rule Snuffs Out Vaping and Hookahs
Baltimore's new Rule 4.21 bans indoor smoking and vaping in liquor-licensed bars, with fines or license loss for violators, but exempts licensed hookah lounges.Summary
Baltimore bars, lounges, and restaurants holding liquor licenses are now prohibited from allowing indoor smoking of cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, or hookahs under Rule 4.21, which took effect November 2. Violations can result in fines, suspension, or loss of the liquor license. The rule closes a previous gray area for bars permitting indoor smoking. An exemption exists for establishments specifically licensed as hookah lounges, defined by Baltimore City Code as businesses primarily devoted to on-premises hookah use; regular bars offering hookah service do not qualify. The Baltimore City Liquor Board announced the rules via an Instagram video, acknowledged some online pushback, and urges business owners with questions to call 410-396-4377. Fine amounts and suspension procedures were not specified.
(Source：Hoodline)
