Providence committee advances entertainment ordinance changes after hours, format amendments; public hearing continued

The Committee on Ordinance on Oct. 22 discussed proposed amendments to Chapter 27 of the City of Providence Code of Ordinances that would change how incidental and temporary entertainment are regulated, approved two committee amendments and continued the matter for further review.

The committee’s deputy planning director, Robert Azar, told members the proposal would broaden the definition of incidental entertainment to allow live amplified performances and prerecorded playlists while keeping a prohibition on sound permeating beyond premises and retaining noise-ordinance protections. Joe Wilson, director of the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism, urged the committee to adopt the changes as written, saying they would “bring our zoning and entertainment laws in line with how entertainment actually works in Providence.”

Supporters from the hospitality and arts sectors told the committee the changes would help restaurants, small venues and local musicians, while many residents and neighborhood advocates said enforcement is already inadequate and the expansion risks worsening chronic noise problems.

Committee amendments and next steps

Counc…