The Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City on Oct. 23 found multiple violations at Castle Seafood Restaurant, 3720 Poteet Street, and imposed fines and a five-month suspension effective the day of the hearing.

Inspector testimony described two August inspections in which officers responded to 3-1-1 complaints and observed a DJ set-up near doors leading to the outdoor patio, speakers placed outside and patrons standing rather than being seated as required by the establishment’s BMZA authorization. Inspector Jordan said officers could hear music from several hundred feet away and that on Aug. 11 and Aug. 23 staff were asked to bring speakers inside and close doors; the inspector recorded video evidence and photographs taken during the response.

Robert Walsston, manager for Castle Seafood, said he had not been the manager for the earlier incidents and that staff cooperated with inspectors when asked. Community representative Janet Eveland of Action Baybrook told the board the establishment has “a long history of violations” and that neighborhood residents have largely stopped calling 3-1-1 because earlier complaints resulted in only temporary corrections. Eveland told the board: “If there is 1 more time, then the result could be completely different. Your license could be revoked or suspended.”

Finding violations of Liquor Board rules 3.12 (general welfare), 3.092 (restroom facilities and health regulations) and 4.16 (illegal activity) for the listed dates, the board imposed a $2,500 fine for each violation, with 30 days to pay, and a five-month suspension. The chair said the board had given multiple chances and cited a history of eight prior violations at the location, noting that management must maintain control of employees and follow board and community rules.

Authorities cited during the hearing included the Baltimore City health code (section 9-3062) and the BMZA resolution that governs required seating and outdoor table-service rules for the premises.

Why it matters: The penalties remove the restaurant from the retail alcohol market for five months and impose substantial fines, reflecting the board’s enforcement approach when violations recur and community complaints persist.

Meeting context: The hearing included inspector reports, manager testimony, video and photos (entered as evidence), and a statement from a community organization and Councilwoman Porter’s office. The board instructed the licensee to use the suspension period to address outstanding compliance issues, including required safety and permitting work (management reported a fire-department requirement for a sprinkler system).