Baltimore County lawmakers are considering legislation to relax restrictions on live music at certain bars and restaurants ? a move at least one community leader said could pollute neighborhoods with noise and traffic.
Several councilmen said some bars and restaurants areunfairly barred from providing live music, an offering currently reserved for licensed nightclubs. Three councilmen met with county officials to discuss changes and provisions, but cautioned they have no firm plans.
“Right now, if they have an outdoor deck, they are prohibited from having a guy with a guitar,” said Councilman Vince Gardina, D-District 5. “We?re looking at possible ways to get around that.”
Dick Parsons, who chairs a group called the Community Conservation Advisory Group, e-mailed community activists Friday, urging them to contact council members before the bill could be formally proposed.
Citing an unnamed source, Parsons said he believes the council has prepared legislation and could vote on it as soon as April 9.
If not carefully worded, he said he worries a bill could transform any bar or restaurant into a nightclub by right.
“By including ?restaurant? you really open quite a wide swath there,” Parsons said. “It?s the noise, the ambiance, the crowd that?s attracted, the parking, the whole bit.”
Restaurants and bars who want to offer live music now must seek approval from the county?s Board of Liquor License Commissioners, which supervises noise levels.
The board?s administrator, George Abendschoen, said he doesn?t receive many requests for live music.
The council is considering provisions including setting time limits determined by the proximity of homes, said Councilman John Olszewski Sr., D-District 7.
At least one council member, Democrat Kevin Kamenetz from the county?s second district, said he would question blanket authorization.
“But there might be circumstances where [relaxed rules] wouldn?t be unreasonable,” he said.
