Baltimore’s 5 Mile House Shut Down

Last Updated Oct 2009

By Danyel Jones

AFRO Staff Writer

Baltimore’s classic night club, the 5 Mile House may be closed for good. (Photo, Google Street View)

(October 22, 2009) - After temporarily closing its doors in April after a run-in with the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore’s classic night club, the 5 Mile House may be closed for good. The establishment, which has been in business for over 30 years, was cited for unsanitary conditions.

Recent rumors spread throughout the city of the historic lounge’s closing last weekend, raising endless speculations. According to Baltimore City Health Department spokesman, Brian Schleter, the 5 Mile House was shut down indefinitely on Oct. 16. Baltimore police walked into the popular night club, announcing everyone had to evacuate the building by midnight Saturday.

“The 5 Mile House was closed for a rat infestation, improper food storage, spoiled foods and an inoperable grease trap,” said Schleter. “They also had an expired food license as of Sept. 30.”

In Title 6 of the Baltimore City Health Code, which covers food service facilities, the department clearly outlines the rules and regulations associated with operating a restaurant.

The document, which is available online for public viewing, states, “No food service facility may sell or offer for sale any dated food after its expiration date…. Each food service facility must comply with all applicable health laws, rules, and regulations of the federal government, the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore.”

“Now they have a choice as to when they will surrender their food license so when that happens, they will be considered ‘out of business,’” Schleter said. “If the issue of the place’s unsanitary performance becomes a nuisance, then it will go to our Bureau of Ecology and at that point the owners will face citations, which can result in more serious consequences.”

When contacted by the AFRO, Rodney Barnes, owner of 5 Mile House, refused to comment on the facility or the city health department violations his company faces.

For more information on the Baltimore City Health Department, visit www.baltimorehealth.org.

Rate this:

Recent Comments

It may not be nice but its true. If they really cared about us patrons, especially with all the $$$ we've spent up there over the years, this situation and those preceding it would not have happened. The condition of the floors, the bathrooms, the bugs, the rodents; these are not isolated one time incidents, but rather a pattern of poor customer service. It's all the more tragic, regrettable and inexcusable given the legacy and history of the Five over the years as the place for us to go as grown ups. Wesley would never have allowed this crap to happen because he was proud of the place and knew how to treat people right consistently. All places have their issues from time to time and most have dealt with problems in a professional and appropriate manner for the benefit of the customers and the employees. But despite the fact that we have continued to support the Five through good times and bad times we should not be taken for granted with an attitude of "they'll be back, where else they gonna go." How many other places, that shall be nameless, have we supported where the same attitude arose? Some are gone, some still around. You know I speak the truth however unpalatable it may be. While all concerned are friends, if it ain't right it ain't right. And we know that many of us have reached out to them with genuine heartfelt advice and have brought business there because we all want us to succeed. While few of us know the behind the scenes details we all have experienced the results. And our loyalty and support have been consistent. To quote Vinx: "Don't got to be that way!" But it is what it is. So sad.

Posted By: c y on Oct 2009

We linedance there faithfully every Wednesday evening and it never looked any different. It never appeared to have been cleaned from week to week. We even went back after it was shut down in April but saw no difference. I stopped attending regularly and definitely put a stop to ordering from their kitchen. You try to support Black Businesses, but they more often then not, seem to disappoint you.

Posted By: Disappointed C on Nov 2009

"This is bad real bad, Michael Jackson. Now I''m mad real mad Joe Jackson."...Kanye West.

Posted By: Kanye's W on Nov 2009

the line dancer line to rent there own hall, get together as a LLC. Stop giving your money and support to establishments that take you for granted. After what happened on Liberty Road, I wonder when is enough enough for the faithful line daners. Buy, lease, rent, your own place.

Posted By: Used to Line Dance all the time t on Nov 2009

Add a Comment