by The Washington County Liquor Board has mandated that Vibez Lounge in downtown Hagerstown close for 10 days due to an incident that escalated on the night of an Easter weekend storm. The storm knocked out power across much of the area, including at Vibez Lounge.
Incident Leads to 10-Day Closure for Vibez Lounge
The ruling follows an incident that occurred around midnight on April 19-20, when Hagerstown Police were called to Vibez after reports of a large, unruly crowd. Approximately 12 to 15 officers, along with a city fire marshal, responded to the scene after it was determined that the lounge was overcrowded, with about 200 people inside. During the power outage, the crowd refused to evacuate, despite being repeatedly instructed to do so by authorities.
Alcohol-Fueled Chaos
Witnesses testified that multiple attempts were made to disperse the crowd, but individuals threw alcohol at officers and even shoved the fire marshal. The chaos resulted in a formal violation hearing on May 7, where the liquor board imposed a probation period of six months on Vibez Lounge, along with a $2,500 fine. The closure will be from May 9-18, affecting two weekends.
Violation Details and Fines
Vibez Lounge was found in violation of state liquor laws related to nuisance abatement and public drinking. In addition to the liquor board’s ruling, the Hagerstown Fire Department issued municipal citations, citing 10 violations. These include failure to evacuate during an emergency, a lack of certified crowd managers, and issues with the means of egress. These citations come with a $250 fine each, which can be appealed.
Overcrowding and Safety Concerns
The situation unfolded after police arrived to find the lounge’s front door locked, despite signs indicating that the maximum occupancy was set at 99 people. Fire marshals later confirmed that approximately 200 individuals were present, contributing to the overcrowding and safety hazards.
Fire Marshal Deanna Pelton reported that the front door had been locked, preventing people from evacuating during the emergency. Pelton emphasized the importance of a quick and safe evacuation, especially when power was out and the building was overcrowded. The lounge’s failure to adhere to basic safety regulations led to additional concerns.
Unruly Behavior and Unchecked Security
Despite clear directives from police and fire officials, many patrons refused to leave, and tensions escalated further when liquids were thrown at officers and the fire marshal. Police reported that some individuals were carrying cups filled with liquid, and while it’s unclear if the liquid was alcohol, the overall behavior contributed to the tense atmosphere.
Concerns Over Noise Complaints
During the hearing, Vibez Lounge owner Jaymea Dickson expressed concerns about the increased scrutiny of her business. She also addressed ongoing complaints about noise, which were raised by nearby residents. Despite her concerns, the liquor board’s actions focused solely on the incident that occurred on April 20, emphasizing the need for compliance with fire safety protocols.
Vibez Lounge’s Response to Ruling
Dickson, who is the liquor licensee for Vibez Lounge LLC, had no comment after the hearing. However, the liquor board emphasized that the primary issue was the failure to follow safety measures, especially the fire marshal’s directives. The board also expressed hope that the lounge would learn from the incident and operate safely in the future.
Looking Ahead
The liquor board has warned that any further violations during Vibez’s probation period could lead to additional penalties, including the activation of a suspended 20-day closure. The community and local authorities will be closely monitoring the situation moving forward.
