Baltimore Liquor Board suspends Sangria's license for multiple health and safety violations

The recent Board of Liquor License Hearing held by the City Council of Baltimore on May 22, 2025, addressed significant violations concerning Sangria LLC, located at 930 North Charles Street. The hearing highlighted serious concerns regarding the establishment's compliance with health and safety regulations, which ultimately led to the suspension of its liquor license.

During the hearing, Agent Toto from the Baltimore City Liquor Board detailed the findings from a joint inspection conducted on March 28, 2025. The inspection revealed that Sangria was operating without a valid health permit and lacked essential kitchen operations, including food preparation capabilities. The kitchen was found non-operational, with no food items present, and kitchen appliances unplugged. Additionally, the establishment had broken floor tiles and duct-taped plumbing, raising significant sanitation concerns.

The owner, Rex Allen Murray Jr., was unable to provide original copies of necessary permits, presenting only low-quality printed images of an expired health permit and no trader's license. This failure to maintain proper documentation and operational standards constituted multiple violations of liquor board regulations.

Community representatives, including Jack Danna from the Mount Vernon Belvedere Association, emphasized that these issues were not new. Danna noted that similar violations had been raised during the previous year's license renewal discussions, indicating a pattern of non-compliance. He expressed optimism for a new operator, Mr. Nowaco, who had assured the community of intentions to rectify these issues.

In light of the evidence presented, the board unanimously found Sangria LLC in violation of multiple rules, including failure to maintain an operational kitchen and sanitation standards. The board decided to suspend the liquor license pending the establishment's compliance with all regulatory requirements.

This decision underscores the city's commitment to enforcing health and safety standards within its establishments, reflecting broader concerns about public welfare and community standards. The suspension serves as a critical reminder of the importance of compliance in the hospitality industry, particularly in a city that values both its vibrant nightlife and the health of its residents. The board's actions will likely prompt other establishments to reassess their compliance measures to avoid similar repercussions.