BALTIMORE — Mayor Jack Young warns that if restaurants and bars in Baltimore try to reopen in violation of the coronavirus restrictions, the city will shut them down.
In a statement Mayor Young said:
“I have heard a few disturbing rumors that some restaurants, bars, and even swim clubs are planning to resume operations this week. Please be clear that the Governor's revised Executive Order that went into effect on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. does not allow for indoor or outdoor seating or gatherings of more than 10 people.
“I want to make perfectly clear that these operations are prohibited, under both the Governor's Safer At Home Public Health Advisory and my local Stay at Home Order, and that we will be enforcing these Executive Orders. If you illegally open your business, we will shut you down.
“Restaurants are vitally important to the community and are allowed to stay open for carryout and delivery services only. Rest assured, we are continuously reevaluating data, and consulting with health experts to be able to safely loosen restrictions, as soon as possible. Representatives of the Social Club Task Force, comprised of members of the Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore City Health Department, Liquor Board, and Department of Housing & Community Development, will continue to partner with our local businesses to monitor compliance with both state and local orders.”
While Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order was lifted on Friday, there is no part of phase one of his reopening plan that includes allowing restaurants or bars reopening at all beyond carry-out and delivery operations.
Baltimore is also not operating under phase one of the governor’s plan, instead opting to extend its own local stay-at-home order.
