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By: Baltimore, MD Staff
October 9, 1997
Special to Baltimoremd
The Baltimore City Liquor Board sent the Crash Cafe to the showers today. In spite of the efforts of former Liquor Board Commissioner, Curtis Baer to discredit the testimony of various community leaders and elected officials, the Liquor Board ruled that granting the license would not serve the public convenience.
George L. Russell, Jr., former Baltimore City Solicitor, judge and partner in the firm of Piper & Marbury represented the community groups. Among other things, Mr. Russell indicated that while the application had been submitted by Patrick Turner as an individual, the required information in the application showed the license would be owned by a corporation, with Mr. Turner holding all offices, but only thirty seven and one half per cent ownership. He pointed out that while the proposed facility was described as a restaurant, there was little in the application substantiating what the Liquor Board requires for a restaurant classification.
State Delegate Brian McHale and Senator George Della both testified that the intent of an amendment authored by Senator Della was to prevent the transfer of existing licenses or the addition of new licenses in the Key Highway area. Della indicated that the
legislation had been initiated because of the universal concerns expressed by community leaders concerning Key Highway turning into another Fells Point.
Although Crash Cafe was proposed as a restaurant, featuring finger foods and beverages, City Councilman John Cain testified that in his opinion, the proposed operation was "Not a restaurant, it's a playground with alcohol."
In a letter submitted to the Liquor Board, The Baltimore Development Corporation's head, Jay Brodie, came out against Crash Cafe, citing that it was not the best possible developmental use of the building.
Crash Cafe would have been the third new business in the Key Highway area that depends upon alcohol for a significant part of its income. Community leaders expressed concerns that another facility dispensing alcohol and attracting large numbers of customers in the evening will amplify existing parking problems, trash and public urination that has been evidenced since the "Gold Coast" development has occurred.
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