BALTIMORE, Md. — Andrew Wheeler knew he was taking a risk by providing live music without a license, but he said he “had to chance it.”
Then, last month, the owner of Federal Hill bar Locals Only received a $3,000 fine from the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners for four violations of live entertainment without authorization, a “serious” hit to operating costs, his lawyer argued.
In Baltimore, restaurants and bars must receive a license to offer live entertainment — whether it’s a band, DJ, standup comedy set or magic act. Many business owners say that this process can be long, complicated and expensive.
“In an entertainment district, where you have other places that can do [live music] it’s going to be tough to be competitive,” said Wheeler, who was also previously a partner of Mad River Bar & Grille and The Charles Baltimore. He estimated that on the average weekend, the difference in sales between service with and without a DJ can range from 25% to 50%.
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