Council Considers Ban On Live Music In Restaurants
Councilman Says Residents Awaken To Rowdiness
POSTED: 1:36 p.m. EDT September 22, 2002
WASHINGTON -- D.C. City Councilman Jack Evans has introduced a bill that would greatly limit live music at all restaurants in the city.
In an attempt to appease some District residents upset by some after-hours crowds, the City Council will hold a hearing this week to discuss the bill.
The proposed bill would redefine license restrictions for restaurants to limit live music and entertainment. If passed, the bill would restrict restaurants from having more than 10 percent or more than 100 square feet of its space used for dancing. Also, restaurants wouldn't be allowed to charge a cover fee for entertainment.
Evans told NEWS4 neighbors of night clubs and restaurants have complained about the noise. "The problem is at 2 or 3 in the morning, when everyone goes home, they're down the residential streets waking people up, starting their cars," said Evans. "So, if you want to be a night club, you should apply for a nightclub license, and the community can have some input into that."
NEWS4 reports it's already drawing some strong reaction from many businesses Saturday night.
"We have somebody that's trying to unleash what would effectively be some type of cultural anthrax. It would kill nightlife, and all life in the city," said Bill Duggan, who is the owner of Madam's Organ.
Petitions are being circulated outside nightclubs in city for people opposed to the bill to sign. NEWS4 observed one petition signing outside Madam's Organ.
But Evans told NEWS4 this is an issue about regulating they way restaurants operate. "This is a way of maintaining control over [alcohol beverage control] licenses in the District, and, frankly, if you want to be a nightclub, apply for a nightclub license. If you don't get it, then you're out of luck," he said.
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In an attempt to appease some District residents upset by some after-hours crowds, the City Council will hold a hearing this week to discuss the bill.
The proposed bill would redefine license restrictions for restaurants to limit live music and entertainment. If passed, the bill would restrict restaurants from having more than 10 percent or more than 100 square feet of its space used for dancing. Also, restaurants wouldn't be allowed to charge a cover fee for entertainment.
Evans told NEWS4 neighbors of night clubs and restaurants have complained about the noise. "The problem is at 2 or 3 in the morning, when everyone goes home, they're down the residential streets waking people up, starting their cars," said Evans. "So, if you want to be a night club, you should apply for a nightclub license, and the community can have some input into that."
NEWS4 reports it's already drawing some strong reaction from many businesses Saturday night.
"We have somebody that's trying to unleash what would effectively be some type of cultural anthrax. It would kill nightlife, and all life in the city," said Bill Duggan, who is the owner of Madam's Organ.
Petitions are being circulated outside nightclubs in city for people opposed to the bill to sign. NEWS4 observed one petition signing outside Madam's Organ.
But Evans told NEWS4 this is an issue about regulating they way restaurants operate. "This is a way of maintaining control over [alcohol beverage control] licenses in the District, and, frankly, if you want to be a nightclub, apply for a nightclub license. If you don't get it, then you're out of luck," he said.
