Plain Text Law

Part 3 – Standards of Operation

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-20 (2026)

§ 1-20 Hours of operation.Copy Citation

(a)In general.
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no live adult entertainment may be conducted between the hours of 2 a.m. and noon.
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(b)Exception.
If the State changes the closing time for holders of alcoholic beverage licensees, that closing time will apply to adult-entertainment businesses.
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History: Ord. 93-258
History: Ord. 94-443
History: Ord. 99-417
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-21 (2026)

§ 1-21 Entrances and exteriors of premises.Copy Citation

(a)Exterior entrance doors.
Exterior entrance doors:
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(1)
must be kept closed so that adult entertainment activities are not visible from the exterior of the building; and
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(2)
may be opened only:
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(i)
to permit entry and exit; or
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(ii)
for cleaning or ventilation during nonoperational hours.
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(b)Entertainment not to be visible from exterior.
The conduct of adult entertainment may not be visible at any time from the exterior of the premises in which it is conducted.
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(c)Enclosed vestibule or lobby.
The premises of each adult-entertainment business must have a vestibule or lobby enclosed by immobile walls and consisting of a passage, hall, or room between the outer door facing the street and the part of the premises where the adult entertainment is conducted.
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History: Ord. 93-258
History: Ord. 94-443
History: Ord. 99-417
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-22 (2026)

§ 1-22 “Barking”.Copy Citation

Any attempt to urge, invite, or entice people to enter the premises of an adult-entertainment business is prohibited anywhere within 50 feet of the premises.
History: Ord. 93-258
History: Ord. 94-443
History: Ord. 99-417
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-23 (2026)

§ 1-23 Owner, etc., to prevent nuisance.Copy Citation

Every owner, operator, and manager of an adult-entertainment business must exercise proper care and control to prevent the business or its operations from becoming or creating a public nuisance, whether by the generation of noise, the blocking of public ways, or otherwise.
History: Ord. 99-417
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-24 (2026)

§ 1-24Copy Citation

Reserved
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-25 (2026)

§ 1-25 License to be posted.Copy Citation

The person to whom an adult-entertainment business license is issued must display it in the lobby, vestibule, or other prominent place on the premises.
History: Ord. 93-258
History: Ord. 94-443
History: Ord. 99-417
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-26 (2026)

§ 1-26Copy Citation

Reserved
Balt., Md., Code art. 15, § 1-27 (2026)

§ 1-27Copy Citation

Reserved