Bread and Circuses Bistro Retains Liquor License

After a brief Monday afternoon hearing, the Baltimore County Liquor Board opted to allow Bread and Circuses Bistro to keep its liquor license following complaints of noise.

Residents of Trinity House, a senior housing facility operated by Catholic Charities of Baltimore, complained that music coming in the evening hours from the nearby Towson coffee shop and restaurant, located at 27 E. Chesapeake Avenue, is disruptive.

Specifically, a representative of the Trinity House objected to the amplification of live musical acts during dinner service.

Bread and Circuses owner Steven Fox, who called the performances "background music," said he would prefer to continue providing modest amplification but told the representative that he will make himself available to quickly address noise concerns.

"I would appreciate the opportunity to make this issue something that doesn't happen again," Fox said.

Chairman Charles Klein said the liquor board doesn't have authority to enforce Fox's promise, but did not see cause to suspend or revoke the Towson business' license.

The hearing had been postponed from Oct. 29, as a result of weather conditions anticipated by Superstorm Sandy.

Bread and Circuses, which opened in December 2008 as The French Press, secured its liquor license in 2010. Signage on the restaurant's exterior still shows the former name.