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Morristown attorney objects to Homestead Bar license extension, cites persistent late-night noise
Summary
An attorney for nearby apartment owners asked Morristown council to oppose a liquor-license expansion for the Homestead Bar until the venue complies with local noise rules; council members said an ABC hearing is scheduled Feb. 18 and encouraged objectors to testify.
Jonathan Mayer, an attorney with the law firm Stevens & Lee, told the Morristown Town Council on Feb. 11 that residents of an apartment building across the street from the Homestead Bar have endured repeated late-night noise and music and asked the council to oppose an application to expand the bar’s liquor license.
Mayer said he represents the property owner and manager and that the building, purchased in January 2024, has received “dozens” of complaints from tenants about music and noise continuing past 10 p.m. and lasting “as late as 3 a.m.” He said two residents broke leases in the last four months and that five units are currently unoccupied, producing monthly rental losses of $20,000.
“The fact that we’re getting complaints from our residents from inside their apartments that they can clearly hear the noise coming from the Homestead bar is unacceptable,” Mayer said. He also said the bar had not complied with conditions in a 2024 council resolution that required adherence to local noise rules and that patrons not congregate outside the premises.
Mayor Timothy P. Daugherty and council members told Mayer the council will hear the license application at a public hearing next week, when the council will sit as the town’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board. Council President said the hearing is set for Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. and will accept testimony from objectors. Council members encouraged anyone with complaints to attend and provide a record for consideration.
Morristown’s police chief responded to the council meeting that the department had not received any noise complaints related to that building since a November meeting with the owner. The chief said the department cannot act on alleged violations without a complaint and told Mayer’s representatives that residents should call the police when noise occurs so the department can respond and document incidents.
Council members emphasized that the ABC hearing is the appropriate forum for evidence and sworn testimony and invited the chief to present any enforcement records at that hearing. Mayer said the property owner and manager will appear at the hearing to oppose the license expansion unless the Homestead comes into compliance with the town’s noise ordinance.
The council did not vote on the license at the Feb. 11 meeting; the matter will be considered at the Feb. 18 ABC hearing.
