On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council voted 9-2 to approve a bill requiring businesses that stay open overnight to develop a safety plan.
This bill was first introduced in February at the request of County Executive Marc Elrich, in response to an increase in crime in Silver Spring. It would require businesses open between 2-5 a.m. which are in areas with higher calls for police service, to develop safety plans approved by the police departments. The county considers businesses that have been subject to two or more service calls for law enforcement to respond to ‘serious incidents” during the prior 12 months, to be in this category. This specifically pertains to businesses that sell alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products. Those plans vary based on the business, but could include additional security training, more personnel, upgraded cameras, and the installation of exterior lighting.
During the bill’s public hearing, there were mixed reactions from people in the community. Many businesses expressed the difficulty of implementation and enforcement, while many residents shared the dire need for more security. When the legislation was introduced, Chief Jones said he wants individuals living in the Downtown Silver Spring area to have peace when they go to sleep at night.
Under this legislation, any business who do not comply will get a daily fine and face stricter penalties, like being shut down. Elrich would need to approve their plans and if it is rejected, the business would not be allowed to operate during certain hours. The bill provides a 180-day period for business to develop an implementation plan then 90 days to submit their safety plans.
This will impact nearly 30 businesses in the county.
