Regulation .05 Standards of Operation.
Current through 2026-01-20. Source: COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., COBRA § 17.05.01.05 (2026)
Regulation .05 Standards of Operation.LinkCopy Citation
A.
Hours.
(1)
An adult entertainment venue may not conduct business between the hours of 2 a.m. and noon.
(2)
An adult entertainment business shall post its days and hours of operation on a door or window in a conspicuous area visible by the public.
B.
Exterior Building Requirements.
(1)
A licensee shall abide by the standards contained in City Code Art. 15, § 1-21 for maintenance of the front door and the exterior of the licensed premises.
(2)
A licensee shall ensure that the exterior doors of the licensed premises are kept closed so that adult entertainment activities are not visible from exterior.
C.
Sanitation, Health and Safety Requirements.
(1)
A licensee shall operate their establishment in compliance with the sanitation, health and safety standards of:
(a)
The Department of Housing and Community Development;
(b)
The Department of Health;
(c)
The Baltimore City Police Department; and
(d)
Other applicable City, state, and federal laws or regulations.
(2)
A licensee shall:
(a)
Provide containers for the disposition of garbage that meet the requirements for a business in Baltimore City;
(b)
Keep garbage containers covered at all times; and
(c)
Remove all trash regularly.
(3)
A licensee shall provide on the premises adequate, sanitary, and fully functioning restroom facilities for all patrons and employees.
(4)
A licensee shall post signs in conspicuous areas of a restroom or kitchen stating that employees must wash their hands after using the restroom.
D.
A licensee may not alter the manner in which alcoholic beverages are dispensed at the premises under the terms of a liquor license issued to the licensee.
E.
Nuisance.
(1)
A licensee, owner, operator, or manager of an adult entertainment business shall exercise care to prevent the business or its operations from creating a public nuisance by:
(a)
Generating noise,
(b)
Blocking public ways, or
(c)
Engaging in an activity that would constitute a public nuisance as defined in Art. 19, § 43-1 of the City Code.
(2)
An adult entertainment business, its employees, managers, and agents must comply with the prohibition against “Barking” as defined in Art. 15, § 1-22 of the City Code.
F.
A licensee that has also been issued a liquor license shall abide by all rules and regulations listed in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 of Liquor License Rules and Regulations.
G.
Ownership and Operation.
(1)
A licensee shall be the actual owner of the business conducted on the licensed premises.
(2)
A licensee shall file with the Board and retain at the licensed premises a copy of a management agreement which should include information regarding:
(a)
The management fees;
(b)
The terms and duration of the agreement; and
(c)
A telephone number for the manager.
(3)
The licensee shall disclose to the Board in writing the identity of a person who is not the licensee but has a financial interest in the adult entertainment business.
H.
Cooperation.
(1)
A licensee and its employees shall cooperate with a state or local agency while conducting official business including:
(a)
The Board;
(b)
The Baltimore City Police Department; and
(c)
The Baltimore City Health Department.
(2)
A Licensee shall provide the Board with a functional telephone number and email address.
(3)
A licensee shall provide the Board with updated contact information within 30 days of changing a phone number, email address, or fax number.
(4)
A licensee may not make a false statement:
(a)
In an original or renewal application for an adult entertainment business license;
(b)
In an original or renewal application for an alcoholic beverage license;
(c)
In a letter or written statement to the Board, a government agency, or their representatives;
(d)
In testimony before the Board; or
(e)
To a representative of the Board making an official investigation.
I.
Prohibited Activities.
(1)
A licensee may not permit the premises to be used for sexual activity.
(2)
A licensee may not permit an employee or patron to solicit a person for or engage in:
(a)
Prostitution;
(b)
Gambling;
(c)
Use or sale of controlled dangerous substances; or
(d)
Other illegal activity as defined in Art. 19 of the City Code or an applicable state or federal law.
(3)
A licensee shall ensure that a patron does not touch a dancer's:
(a)
Breast or chest;
(b)
Genitals or genital area; or
(c)
Anus, anal area, or buttocks.
(4)
A licensee shall ensure that a dancer does not touch a patron's:
(a)
Breast or chest;
(b)
Genitals or genital area; or
(c)
Anus, anal area, or buttocks.
(5)
A licensee shall ensure that a dancer does not touch another dancer's:
(a)
Breast or chest;
(b)
Genitals or genital area; or
(c)
Anus, anal area, or buttocks.
(6)
A licensee shall ensure that a dancer whose breasts, genitalia or buttocks are exposed does not:
(a)
Perform closer than 6 feet from the nearest patron; or
(b)
Mingle with a patron while not performing on the identified stage.
J.
Age Requirement.
(1)
A licensee shall prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering the licensed premises, unless the individual is:
(a)
An employee, agent or contractor of the establishment who is at least 18 years of age; or
(b)
An active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States.
(2)
If this age requirement is changed in either State or City law, the licensee shall be required to abide by the new limit.
K.
A licensee shall post the prices of all alcoholic beverages in a conspicuous area that is visible to the public.
L.
Records.
(1)
A licensee shall keep records containing an employee's:
(a)
Legal name;
(b)
Addresses;
(c)
Date of birth; and
(d)
The last four digits of their Social Security number.
(2)
A licensee shall have proof of application for:
(a)
A certificate issued by the Director of Finance of the City showing that there are no unpaid City or State taxes on the merchandise, fixtures, and stock of the applicant; and
(b)
A trader's license issued by the Circuit Court of Baltimore City.
(3)
A licensee shall keep the records on the licensed premises.
(4)
A licensee shall make the records available for inspection by:
(a)
The Board and its employees; and
(b)
Law enforcement officials.
M.
Human Trafficking.
An adult entertainment business shall post on its premises a sign that complies with the requirements of Art. 15, Subtitle 42 of the City Code.