An attorney speaking for restaurant owner Gary Holloway urged Somers Point officials to amend the city’s noise ordinance so outdoor music could be played later on a limited, seasonal basis.

Steve Hankin, speaking on behalf of Holloway and with operating partner Ed Bonsignore present, said the restaurant has historically played music later than 11 p.m. and that the current ordinance “flatly” prohibits any outside music after 11 p.m. regardless of volume. “After 11PM, it's flatly prohibited under your ordinance,” Hankin said, describing the current rule and asking council to consider a narrowly tailored amendment.

Hankin said Holloway would not seek year-round changes and asked only for expanded hours on Friday and Saturday nights until 1 a.m., and on the city’s three holiday weekends. He told the council that the seasonal request would amount to “about 17 or 18 weekends and the three holiday weekends,” and said the extra hour is critical to his client’s business model and patron patterns. Hankin also noted the establishment is not adjacent to residential properties and that the restaurant’s operator now attends nightly to ensure music does not become a disturbance.

No ordinance amendment or formal action was taken at the meeting; the item was raised during public comment and council did not vote on changes. The request will need formal introduction and drafting before any change to the municipal code could be considered.