Outdoor Music, Biz Profitability Among Noise Ordinance Concerns

Residents and business owners voiced a variety of concerns about and praise for Hampton’s current entertainment policies Monday during a session designed for selectmen to solicit input on possible changes in regard to late-night noise levels.

Eleven total individuals spoke out Monday. Some called for selectmen to cut off entertainment at an earlier time to protect Hampton Beach’s “family destination” persona and reign in disruptive noise issues through an ordinance police can actually enforce.

“My concern is the outdoor music,” said a woman who has owned a Hampton Beach summer home for 13 years and said she likes to go out and see shows. “If you allow that to continue to 1 o’clock in the morning, it’s going to have an impact on the families… and the people who are not here [for that kind of entertainment].”

Others called for selectmen to leave the ordinances alone because as a whole the businesses aren’t breaking current laws and should be allowed to operate and showcase entertainment if it’s done within reason.

“I don’t know why we’re even looking at this again,” said Bill Bowley, a Landing Road resident. “Let the music play… It’s wonderful. All we can do is support that beach. That beach produces the money to support this town. Without it we’d be screwed. If you buy [a house or property along Hampton Beach], you better [first] check your neighborhood.”

A recording of the public’s input can be found here on the town’s website. The public hearing was the third hearing of the night, and begins a few minutes after the start of Monday’s session.

Hampton selectmen didn’t address the issue or propose possible changes to the noise section of the entertainment ordinance after Monday night’s public hearing, stating that they’ll do so during at least one upcoming regular board meeting. 

“I think we certainly need to discuss it,” said Selectman Mary-Louise Woolsey.