By Amber Wilson and Xavier Guzman
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
In a unanimous decision on Monday, the Baltimore County Council approved a bill that allows live music in downtown Catonsville and Arbutus.
Effective Oct. 21, bars and restaurants will be authorized to host live entertainment in both indoor and outdoor properties in each community’s central business district.
“If this is successful, we can look into making it countywide” said Councilman Tom Quirk, D-1st District, who represents both towns.
Despite what some local musicians have been
posting on social media,
Quirk said there will be no fee for obtaining permits.
“There’s no tax on music according to some random bloggers out there,” Quirk said. “I just want to be really clear and make sure that everyone understands there’s lots of propaganda and misinformation out there.”
Properties that currently host live musical entertainment and seasonal outdoor events will not be affected by this bill.
During the meeting, two residents expressed opposing opinions about the proposed Housing Opportunities Made Equal (or HOME) Act, a controversial bill that would prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income. .
Displaying a colorful poster that read, “Please support the HOME Act,” Baltimore County resident Dana Bergman said the bill would increase housing opportunities for poorer residents.
Bergman said the bill would unite Baltimore County and eliminate segregation.
“We have to stop segregating Baltimore County based on income,” Bergman said. “It’s wrong, plain and simple.”
Local landlord Wayne Gemmill told the council he opposed the act, stating that it opens him and many others up to liabilities he is not equipped to handle.
“The goal of this bill is best accomplished by using investors in the free market,” Gemmill said. “Don’t impose it on people who don’t want it.”
In addition, the council approved a bill that would make county law consistent with recent legislation approved by the General Assembly making the purchase of tobacco products illegal for anyone under the age of 21.
Council members said the increased age would change their lives and the lives of future residents.
“We’re definitely headed in the right direction
and look at how far we’ve come,” Councilman Wade Kach, R-3rd
District, said.