Delray Beach officials have heard plenty of noise about the city’s noise ordinance.
The problems, and complaints have been around for almost a year, after Delray unveiled a draconian new ordinance in September that featured steep fines, some as high as $15,000 for repeat offenders.
Many business owners, who rely on music to keep customers entertained and spending money, flipped out. They were furious at the city and demanded to have a say on laws regarding noise.
Many residents, who were tired of music blasting all night, wanted a say, too.
City officials listened and suspended the ordinance along with the severe fines.
Delray has been crafting a new, more defined law, and it will debut at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. It looks a lot like the old law, except there is now wiggle room for everyone before the big time fines kick in.
Bo Hammett, general manager of Deck 84, said he and other businesses are good with the compromise.
“We just want our guests to enjoy themselves with live music,” Hammett said. “We don’t have any problems with it.”
To get to this point, Assistant City Attorney Janice Rustin said the rules have been changed a few times, and even though the fines remain harsh, business owners have nothing to worry about.
“We don’t really have that many offenders,” she said. “Our restaurant owners are really responsible.”