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Council approves three liquor and entertainment licenses after neighborhood noise concerns over Flask Lounge
Summary
Portland council granted municipal officers' approval for three lounge/entertainment license applications, including Flask Lounge; neighbors raised noise and tenant turnover concerns, owners said they log decibel readings and have mitigation plans, and city staff reported no police-recorded decibel violations.
The Portland City Council approved municipal officers’ approvals for three lounge and entertainment license applications — the Marquise Lounge, Madrid’s (auditorium with outdoor dining), and Flask Lounge — after residents voiced concerns about noise and owners described mitigation steps.
Andrew Bruns, whose property adjoins Flask, told the council he and other neighbors have seen tenants move out because of noise and asked whether the city could compel the business to invest in sound mitigation. He said, "It's getting worse" and asked for avenues to ensure the business invests in mitigation.
Jessica, the current owner of Flask Lounge, said the venue has spent thousands on sound mitigation, keeps nightly logs of decibel measurements and typically operates 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. "We're only open from 7 to 1," she said, noting music normally runs 9 to 1 and that the business has built sound baffles. New owners (Catherine Hake and Patrick) said they have engaged sound engineers and will continue mitigation.
Jeff Quattropani, director of permitting and inspections, said the police department had signed off on the license and staff found no records indicating decibel-limit violations at that location. He offered to run a police complaint list for the address covering the last 12 months if the council wished.
After discussion about complaint records and mitigation measures, the council approved the consent calendar, which included the three licenses. Chair encouraged applicants and neighbors to work together and noted staff would assist if issues persisted.
The action authorizes the license types and allows the businesses to operate under the conditions in their applications; any enforcement remains under the city's noise and licensing rules and the police department's complaint investigation process.
