Rawlings-Blake said that the measure would give the city greater power to regulate such businesses because it would have broad authority to grant - and revoke - licenses. If 10 or more residents sent written objections about a particular applicant, a mediation session would be arranged. If that proved unsuccessful, the board would hold a hearing.
An office of hospitality services would also be created as part of the mayor's office. That office would coordinate police, fire, health and other city departments and act as the initial mediator between communities and the businesses.
The five-member board would include two members appointed by the mayor, the City Council president, one member of the council and the director of hospitality services, who would also be appointed by the mayor.
Sterling Clifford, a spokesman for Mayor Sheila Dixon, said that the administration is familiar with the bill but the mayor will need to study it further before taking a position.
Last year, the City Council adopted a nonbinding resolution sponsored by Rawlings-Blake that created a task force to study ways to improve Baltimore's night life. Part of that committee's recommendation was to create the board and license businesses providing live entertainment.
The legislation, which is expected to receive hearings later this year, would not affect existing regulations for adult entertainment.
Michael Evitts, a spokesman for the Downtown Partnership, said the key to making such a measure successful is balancing the concerns of the community with the desire to make the city a more vibrant place to live.
"The partnership is generally in favor of encouraging more live entertainment," Evitts said. "Though downtown is increasingly a residential neighborhood, it's a neighborhood where people expect activity."
john.fritze@baltsun.com
