Live Music Could Be Allowed At More Baltimore County Businesses

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — More businesses could host live music and entertainment in Baltimore County, under a new bill.

County Executive Johnny Olzsewski plans to introduce the New Opportunities for Tourism and Entertainment (NOTE) Act at the County Council meeting slated for Monday, March 15.

Hundreds of businesses in the county cannot host live entertainment because of current zoning laws, according to a statement from Olszewski's office.

The NOTE Act would make more businesses eligible to apply for a live musical entertainment permit and allow "most restaurants, retail and other businesses in Baltimore County to host live music," the statement said.

In addition, the NOTE Act would support the recovery of musicians and performers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the county executive said.

"This pandemic has upended their way of life, and this effort creates new opportunities to help them recover as quickly as possible," Olszewski said in a statement.

In 2019, businesses in the revitalization districts in Catonsville and Arbutus were allowed to apply for a permit to hold live music, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The county executive said he hopes to expand the pilot program countywide.

"By helping expand the work we’ve already done in Catonsville, this legislation will create new opportunities for the small businesses and musicians across Baltimore County,” Olszewski said.

A copy of the proposed legislation was not immediately available.