The Baltimore Banner · Michelle Richardson · September 7, 2026
The ID checkpoints established in July for Baltimore’s Fells Point entertainment district are set to end after Labor Day weekend, Mayor Brandon Scott’s office said Monday. With the checkpoints in place, residents looking to enter Fells Point are asked to present a physical ID or a verified digital ID stored in a phone wallet. A picture of a person’s ID captured with a cellphone is not acceptable. The checkpoints were put in place, along with other safety policies, to minimize dangers such as fights, threats of violence, outdoor alcohol consumption, and marijuana use, the mayor’s office said. Along with checking IDs, Baltimore Police are enforcing other policies, including a ban on outside alcoholic beverages. At the checkpoints, police officers reserve the right to inspect all bags for weapons, and all people 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older with a valid ID. The checkpoints appeared to deter some violations, including underage people entering bars, according to the mayor’s office. The end of the checkpoints comes after Baltimore Police recently arrested multiple people on weapons charges after they were accused of driving recklessly and hindering traffic in the entertainment district.