Folly council decides on bar noise hours

FOLLY BEACH—Musicians will rock on in the island city's bars, but late night shows on outdoor decks and patios will have to end an hour sooner.

Indoor music, however, can continue until 2 a.m., an hour later than previously allowed.

The new ordinance, approved unanimously Sept. 23 by Folly Beach City Council, is a compromise aimed at satisfying both club owners — who need live music to keep patrons coming in — and beach residents who say late night performances deprive them and their children of peace and sleep.

The new ordinance shaves one hour each night off of the latest time that the previous ordinance allowed for amplified music, or sound made by any band or machine outdoors in the commercial zone — mainly along Center Street.

Bands playing in outdoor or open-air structures in the commercial zone will have to end their shows by 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; and by midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

All music indoors will have to cease by 2 a.m., the new law states. Previously indoor music had to end at 1 a.m.

At a public speaking segment before council acted, several musicians and bar owners said the new law would cost them money. Some residents living near the commercial zone told council that music keeps them and their children awake on school nights, and that the noise from open-air performances can be all-pervasive.

Musician Chris Woodrum of Folly Beach cited his many years entertaining on the island and asked council to explain how, if band hours are cut, "we will we support ourselves and our families."

But resident Dale Randall said he has to get up and go to work at 5:30 a.m., and the music deprives him of sleep. "There's got to be some limit there," he added.

Patty Chrysostom, whose home is in the commercial area, said that at times music from bars "can be heard in every room in my house at 12 (midnight) and 1 a.m."

"It's louder than the TV in my living room," she insisted. "We have children," she said, who need to study at night and get up early the next day for school.