Bill to "padlock" Baltimore smoke shops with repeated violations advances in City Council

A bill that would allow the Baltimore Police Department to "padlock" smoke shops that repeatedly break the law got the green light to move forward Thursday. 

The measure was introduced back in May to bolster the police department's authority to shut down smoke shops that repeatedly sell unlicensed cannabis or controlled substances. The bill would allow police to put a padlock on businesses that receive two or more documented violations. 

The City Council's Committee on Legislative Investigations voted to advance the measure during a public hearing Thursday afternoon. 

"Baltimoreans deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. Businesses that repeatedly break the law should not be allowed to operate with impunity," Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen said in a statement after the vote. "Too often, smoke shops that are selling illegal cannabis are fined—but then open right back up again the next day as if nothing happened. Smoke shops that sell dangerous products are putting our kids and our community at risk. This Council will ensure that law enforcement has the authority and mandate to padlock repeat bad actors to protect our residents' health and safety."

"Communities have been clear that they want action when smoke shops become a source of illegal activity and harm," added Councilman Antonia Glover, who co-sponsored the bill. "When a business repeatedly violates the law, we need to have the ability to step in and protect our neighbors. This hearing was an opportunity to make a strategic step in the right direction."

The vote marks the latest effort to crack down on smoke shops in the city and throughout the county. 

Earlier this week, the Baltimore County Council unanimously passed a bill to place zoning restrictions on the smoke shops, limiting the number of shops in the county and restricting where they can operate. 

The measure requires smoke shops to be at least 1,000 feet away from certain locations, including schools, daycare centers and health clinics. It also limits the use of certain LED signs and flashing or rotating lights. 

The bill does include some exceptions for existing businesses, and shops that do not meet the new requirements have a year to comply. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also signed a similar measure into law earlier this summer, requiring smoke shops in the city to be at least 750 feet away from schools, parks or recreation centers. 

Data shows there are at least 1,200 smoke shops in Baltimore, with the highest concentration in low-income areas.