Lewes pulls plug on amplified outdoor music

For those hoping to rock out to the amplified sounds of an electric guitar or have their soul soothed by a mellow bass line while eating outside in Lewes this summer, the plug has been pulled, at least for now.

Citing overwhelming public opposition to a proposed ordinance, Lewes Mayor and City Council decided April 11 it will not adopt the controversial piece of legislation as currently written. The proposal would have allowed for live, amplified music to be played outdoors at Lewes dining establishments from noon until 10 p.m, where allowed by the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.

During the public comment period, which ended April 1, a petition against the ordinance containing 107 signatures was submitted as well as 92 letters of opposition, although Mayor Ted Becker acknowledged there was some overlap between the two. The city received 31 letters in support, while eight letters of an unclear stance were written to voice general opinions on the matter. 

Councilman Khalil Saliba, who made the initial suggestion to allow for public comment, spoke with the restaurant community about the effects the legislation would have on that industry - something he believes cannot be understated. Saliba said some comments were constructive, but others contained a tone of misconception that all Lewes restaurants are thriving and no longer need help. While they may be full now, Saliba said, they were closed to in-person dining during lockdowns. Some received PPP loans; others did not. Saliba said some restaurants are struggling to find workers, and some do not open for lunch as a result. An ordinance encouraging outdoor entertainment could go a long way in helping them retain and recruit employees while enhancing the experience for customers. Some comments, according to Saliba, did not acknowledge the plight of the restaurant industry and seemed to hint that it was easy to make money in the food and beverage industry.

Representatives of the restaurant industry initially proposed the idea to council, but with overwhelming opposition, the conversation April 11 centered around drafting legislation to appease all sides. Council admitted it needed to better define the ordinance and perhaps do more research to set parameters to ease public concerns. 

Councilwoman Carolyn Jones and Councilman Tim Ritzert said they personally spoke with residents who were passionate about the proposal as well.

“I think it’s important to recognize that when someone requests something of this city, it’s our responsibility to at least bring it forward,” Jones said. “Maybe we didn’t bring it right the first time, but the bottom line is that I respect music, I love music, but I also respect your privacy and what it means to you.” 

Ritzert suggested pushing discussions back until after the summer season so council can gather information from all sides and allow for public discourse. Deputy Mayor Andrew Williams clarified that council needed to reject this ordinance as written and open the door for the public to hash out details of a new proposal, understanding the ordinance that caused such a stir is not up for discussion and a better proposal will be considered. 

Becker assured the public the outdoor live, amplified music ordinance will be discussed in the fall, and he believes many public comments contain suggestions to appease all sides.