BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Business owners in Fells Point are reacting after Baltimore Police released arrest and citation numbers requested by FOX45 News from last weekend in the historic district.
According to police, no arrests were made by officers with the Entertainment District Unit, including juveniles.
No citations were issued for the illegal sale of alcohol.
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When asked about open container violations and disorderly conduct the Baltimore Police Department said one citation was issued for a liquor law violation and another for disorderly conduct near Broadway Square.
“There were 500 open containers, so it’s ridiculous. It’s absurd that no one was arrested based on the videos we saw. That’s crazy,” Patrick Russell, who owns Koopers Tavern, Slainte, said. “It reaffirms my frustration.”
FOX45 News sent those questions to Baltimore Police after some business owners expressed their frustration with large and at times disorderly crowds.
Pictures were provided that captured empty liquor bottles they say were being consumed on the street, as well as pouches they say were being used to sell alcohol.
A heavy presence of juveniles despite the city mandated curfew was also a voiced concern.
If this is just what’s going to happen this summer, we can’t endure it,” Beth Hawks, owner of Zelda Zen, said.
Earlier this week FOX45 News also questioned Mayor Brandon Scott about the enforcement and safety in Fells Point.
“We take those concerns very seriously,” Scott said.
Specifically, we asked about the concern citations aren’t being issued.
“That’s something that I addressed as well. And we know that they have, and they will, and they would be doing more. But also, that it’s not just about the citations. It’s about them making sure that people, when they’re doing illegal activity, are moving or moved from the situation,” Scott said.
FOX45 News also asked Baltimore Police about adjustments, if any, to its Entertainment District Unit in response to last weekend.
A spokesperson wrote:
The Entertainment Unit maintained a visible presence in the Fells Point area during the specified dates. Additional resources were requested from the nine patrol districts to assist with crowd control and enforcement efforts. The unit received supplemental personnel, including newly assigned officers. Some of these officers are bicycle-certified and will be deployed within Fells Point and other Entertainment District zones to enhance mobility, visibility, and the rapid response to disorder-related incidents.”
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