Baltimore Club Owner: Situation Affects Us in Many Ways

Monday's riot in Baltimore gave way to peace Tuesday and Wednesday, with those protesting the death of Freddie Gray dispersing to a city-wide 10 p.m. curfew.
 
Gray was arrested by Baltimore Police April 12 and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. He died one week later. 
 
The week-long curfew issued Monday by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake remains in effect and it is impacting fitness clubs in Baltimore.
Andrea Shelby, owner and general manager of Federal Hill Fitness and MV Fitness, told Club Industry in an e-mail on Thursday that the situation is affecting the clubs in many ways.
 
"We have two boutique clubs in the heart of the city, so naturally we are cautious for the safety of our staff and members, as well as the safety of our property," Shelby said.
 
She reports no property has been damaged and no one affiliated with the clubs has been hurt. On Monday, the club closed at 6 p.m. due to the increasing threat of violence in the area surrounding their facilities.
 
The clubs are complying with the city-wide curfew by closing at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.
 
Shelby goes on to tell Club Industry:
 
"We are making decisions regarding programming as daily events develop and communicating any changes with our membership via email, facebook and twitter. Attendance has been lighter than usual, but everyone we do see, seems to be in good spirits and hopeful for a return to a peaceful Baltimore soon, albeit with a greater respect for the issues of racial inequality and law enforcement policy. Baltimore is a beautiful city with a great mix of people of all races, ages and gender identity. We are looking forward to the end of this chapter and moving forward in a more enlightened Baltimore."