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Portsmouth tightens rules for entertainment venues and expands enforcement authority in 5–2 vote
Summary
The City Council adopted ordinance Z-25-01 to create a new private‑club category, tighten standards for event spaces and give the zoning administrator clearer tools—including permit revocation—to address disorderly operations. The measure passed 5–2 after hours of public comment about noise and violence near clubs.
Portsmouth City Council on Aug. 26 adopted an amendment to the city—s zoning code that adds a distinct "private club" category for uses similar to event spaces and grants the zoning administrator faster enforcement options, including revoking occupancy and use permits.
The 5–2 vote followed more than two hours of public comment in which residents described repeated nights of loud music, violence and safety concerns near entertainment venues. "Just Thursday night, shots got fired behind our houses," said resident Vincent Majors, who told the council multiple homes had been struck. "We want to go to sleep tonight, not live in fear." Several other speakers urged quicker enforcement rather than relying solely on new rules.
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