New safety measures take effect in Federal Hill
Federal Hill visitors and residents can expect tighter security after the city updated its guidelines to ensure a safer nightlife experience.
Road closures and a curfew for children took effect on Friday night, nearly two weeks after the city expanded its security measures in Fells Point, now carrying out identification and oversized bag checks.
In Federal Hill, city officials are reminding people that you must buy a drink and consume it at the establishment you bought it from. You will be removed from the space for illicit behavior, which includes fighting, threats of violence, and consuming alcohol outside.
If you are under 17 years old, you must be with an adult at least 25 years old with valid identification. Children 13 years old or younger can't be out unaccompanied starting at 9 p.m. Curfew is at 11 p.m. for teens ages 14 to 16.
Linzy Jackson III, the director of the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, wrote in a statement:
"The City remains committed to keeping Fells Point and Federal Hill safe, welcoming, and vibrant for residents, visitors, businesses, and employees. We will continue working closely with our public safety partners, operational agencies, business owners and community partners to implement thoughtful, data-informed strategies that support both public safety and a thriving nightlife economy. Additional operational details will be shared as appropriate."
Fells Point road closures
Expect hard closures in Fells Point starting 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Closures include:
- Aliceanna Street and South Broadway
- Lancaster Street and Ann Street
- Thames Street and Bond Street
- Bond Street and Shakespeare Street
Fells Point businesses react to new safety guidelines
Mo Phillips is the owner of Pandora's Box and president of Federal Hill's business association. She's witnessed the downturn of multiple businesses.
"It's almost heartbreaking to see such a vibrant area change," she said.
Phillips said her business and several others have taken a big hit recently.
"I'm down at least 35 to 40%," she said.
"Business is down about 25, 30%," Matthew Lasinski, the owner of the NOLA and Blue Agave, said.
Recent crime and large, chaotic crowds at night have caused concerns for many, stopping many visitors from coming to the neighborhood.
"A lot of the issues are nighttime-based, but I think that certainly affects the daytime businesses as well," Lasinski said.
They welcome the updated policies, hoping they will bring vibrancy back to the area.
"We want the vibe," Phillips said. "An adult entertainment area should be for adults. When we say no to kids, it's just saying no for their protection."
"I genuinely appreciate the mayor and his team for working with us," Lasinski added.
"We are about solutions at this point, and we welcome the solutions that's going to make Federal Hill better because currently businesses here in Federal Hill are seeing a downturn," Mo Phillips, Federal Hill Business Association President, said.
City officials say they are committed to keeping both Federal Hill and Fells Point safe and welcoming for residents, visitors, and businesses.