Select Board asks staff to draft uniform noise rules after summer of complaints at downtown venues

The Select Board on Monday discussed dozens of noise complaints tied to downtown entertainment licenses and asked town staff to return this fall with a draft policy that sets measurable, uniform limits and enforcement tools. The discussion centered on complaints linked to the licensed patios and outdoor speakers at Town/Queequegs and Ventuno and how the town applies an existing noise bylaw to licensed entertainment.

Board members and licensees told the Select Board that the summer produced a high number of calls for service about amplified outdoor music near residential units. Amy, a licensing and compliance staff member, said the immediate question was whether the noise bylaw applied to these entertainment licenses and how to measure compliance: “the by law should apply, that distance should apply, and the noise level should apply. It shouldn't be plainly audible past certain distance.”

Why it matters: multiple speakers noted that inconsistent application of conditions — some downtown venues have…