The beat goes on.
And the tunes can go on an hour later at restaurants, including Banana Boat and Two Georges, which are now permitted to have live music until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
However, the new ordinance, passed unanimously by the Boynton Beach City Commission Feb. 15, maintains the prior 60-decibel limit during those hours.
Restaurant owners also must obtain an annual permit to feature live music.
“This in no way gives businesses a right to blast their music. There are decibel levels they must remain within,” said Commissioner Steve Holzman, adding that a report from the police chief showing that only a few of the calls received from residents about loud noise pertained to music was a large factor in the commission’s decision. “This isn’t a license to be loud, it’s a way a way for our businesses to attract patrons with the use of live music.”
Local restaurateurs, who told commissioners that live music attracts both tourists and local residents, welcomed the change.
“The new rule is fairly strict, but it is fair. It’s a happy medium,” said Luke Therein, whose father, John, owns the family-run Banana Boat.
The extra hour offers flexibility, he said, but the landmark restaurant, which has live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, doesn’t plan to take advantage of the extra hour.
“What it does is allow for the times when our bands run five to 10 minutes late,” said Therein. “We are a restaurant first. We aren’t going to change our image because of a subtle change in the law.”
Steve Scaggs, Two Georges’ owner, said although the 55-year-old restaurant only has live music Saturday and Sunday afternoons, it plays piped in music at other times.
The extra hour will encourage customers to stay longer, he said.
“When you turn the music down people feel like you are closing and they leave,” he said. “This (new ordinance) sends a positive message to other businesses who might want to locate here and gives those of us going through some rough times some help.”
Not everyone is happy about the new rule, said Coastal Towers resident Bob Foot, who has called police numerous times to report loud music and noise he claimed was emanating primarily from the nearby Banana Boat.
“I am disappointed in our commissioners. They want to have businesses flourishing, but at the same time they should be respectful of the neighbors’ needs. We go to bed at 9:30 p.m., we like peace and quiet,” he said. In addition, he said, “the city has not taken action when we have called.”
Foot said he’s keeping an eye — and his ears — on the situation and has urged his neighbors to do the same.
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