I’ve read the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) Agency Background Document and disagree with ABC thinking it has the right to control noise emulated from establishments for the safety of near by citizens. The need of this document states:

 “Establishments licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages often generate a great deal of noise, from the combined voices of patrons to amplified musical entertainment. This sound can impact nearby residences or businesses, and have a damaging effect on the quality of life and the health of persons subjected to excessive sound levels. The agency has determined that sound levels emanating from licensed businesses must be controlled to protect the peace and tranquility of surrounding neighborhoods, and the health of citizens. Issues which need to be addressed as the regulation is developed include acceptable sound levels at various types of affected properties, methods of measurement, and possible exemptions for emergency or unavoidable temporary sound levels.”  

I live down the street from an establishment which has live bands at least four nights a week. I am not affected nor do I hear anything in my home or outside from the establishment. I’ve yet to visit an establishment on the peninsula or in VA beach where when standing outside one would be “negatively” impacted by noise levels emulating from an establishment. You hear music as you come to the front door of the establishment but you don’t hear it down the street like your standing in front of a speaker. This is a ridiculous proposal; I would like to know how they plan on enforcing this. Are we to use our over taxed police officers as noise cops now too? Or will ABC want funding for a task team that will visit establishments with a decimal reader to make sure noise levels are at a safe level for near by residences. Jets that fly over the area create more noise in one day than bars and restaurants. Please throw this out ABC needs to stick with alcohol control and sound control alone.