Montauk musicians: Acceptable decibel levels are too low

Musicians in Montauk are asking East Hampton town officials to reconsider decibel levels allowed at bars with live music, saying that the new levels are too low and killing the vibe of the town. Officials

News 12 Staff

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Jun 16, 2016, 1:57 AM

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Updated 3,110 days ago

Musicians in Montauk are asking East Hampton town officials to reconsider decibel levels allowed at bars with live music, saying that the new levels are too low and killing the vibe of the town.

Officials cracked down on the decibel levels last year after a particularly rowdy Fourth of July weekend.

Many Montauk residents complained last summer about noise, crowds and quality-of-life issues they say resulted from people spilling out of bars and onto the streets.

The current acceptable level for live musical performances is 55 decibels, according to Newsday. Musicians would like to see that figure doubled.

Musicians say they are losing gigs at clubs like the Sloppy Tuna, Navy Road Beach Club and the Surf Lodge because of fears of noise complaints and fines.

Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell says bands have a right to play at 55 decibels from 7 p.m. until the early hours of the morning, but no louder.

"I think the clubs have the responsibility as well to put in place noise controls that don't affect neighbors, don't wake people up in the middle of the night," says Cantwell.

Anyone who violates the noise ordinance faces a $1,000 fine.