Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Thursday signed into law a bill requiring eateries to post signs if they are forced to close for violating health restrictions.
The bill, sponsored by Councilman Brandon Scott, requires restaurants to post notices — that can easily be seen by passersby — that explain why an establishment is closed.
At the bill signing, Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen said her agency is working on an online database of restaurant health inspections that should be completed this fall.
Since 2012, Scott has advocated for more public disclosure of health violations by the city's restaurants and carry-outs. In March, the council killed a different bill sponsored by Scott that would have required Baltimore eateries to post grades based on health inspections. It failed by one vote after three council members switched their positions amid intense lobbying by restaurant owners.
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