Proposal to close doors on late-night music in Beaufort meets resistance
A suggestion to close the doors on late-night live music in downtown Beaufort met strong resistance from restaurant owners and entertainers. Others called for balance as the city and developers work to attract more downtown residents as part of Beaufort's master plan.
About 50 people showed up for the noise ordinance discussion at Tuesday evening's City Council work session.
"I think the responsibility falls on every citizen to be a good citizen," said Jason Bailey, owner of Q on Bay on Bay Street. "I've said for years there needs to be more residential development downtown. It's your responsibility to understand what you're getting into."
Under a change proposed by Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancy modeled after Charleston's rules, restaurants that feature live music will have to close doors and windows at 11 p.m. Noise that can be heard 50 feet away from closed doors after that time will be considered a nuisance.
In addition, radios, amplifiers, loudspeakers and similar devices -- including from vehicles -- in outdoor areas that can be heard at 50 feet away or more would be in violation of the noise ordinance.
The city's current ordinance allows amplified music from restaurants and bars facing Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park -- a special nighttime music district -- on Friday and Saturday nights until 1 a.m. Music or noise registered above 85 decibels at a property line at any time is currently a violation.
"Decibel readings can at times be confusing," Clancy said. "This is a lot more cut and dried and easier to understand."
Some restaurant owners, musicians and DJs said restrictions on live music will kill business and drive people to Hilton Head Island and Savannah. They questioned the need to quell entertainment that is seen as a draw for tourists and residents.
Police responded to 15 noise complaints in the music district during 2015. Of those, 10 were initiated by officers on patrol, and five were called in.
Paul Thompson, owner of Panini's on Bay Street, said his bar business is down almost 30 percent since noise complaints increased at the start of 2014. He said he plans to move away from late-night business, in part so he's not working such long hours.
Thompson, like Bailey, said the responsibility is on the business owners to police themselves. The current ordinance is clear, Thompson said, and the proposed change is too subjective.
"We do need to find a common ground where we can all live together," said Thompson, who had a DJ receive a citation a couple of months ago. "I don't think changing something that's been there for 25 years for a handful of interests is the way to do it."
Others said closing the doors at 11 would not ruin business and that the city needed to act on behalf of its goal of attracting more downtown residents.
Realtor John Trask said potential downtown buyers look elsewhere when he takes them around Bay Street on nights that live music is playing. Dick Stewart, who owns residential loft spaces downtown, said the low number of complaints from downtown residents stems from much of the property being vacant.
"I'm perfectly happy to walk away from downtown if you're prepared to turn it into Bourbon Street," Stewart said.
Restaurant owners say they are taking steps to adjust for the increase in attention to noise.
Q on Bay has seen its revenue dip but adjusted its business plan, Bailey said. The business still offers live music four days a week, but the act is pulled inside at the appointed hour.
Bailey and former Councilman Mike Sutton expressed a need for a more civil discussion.
"We have a responsibility to be part of a larger community," Sutton said. "It's important we understand what compromise is and make this a positive thought process."
Follow reporter Stephen Fastenau on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Stephen.
Related content:
- Beaufort to revisit noise ordinance revisions, Sea Eagle sale, Jan. 11, 2016
- Beaufort noise ordinance discussion draws passionate crowd, Jan. 27, 2015
- 5 things to know about Beaufort's noise debate, Jan. 31, 2015
This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 8:49 PM with the headline "Proposal to close doors on late-night music in Beaufort meets resistance."