Bradenton Beach clarifies outdoor music rules

Bradenton Beach residents and business operators on Bridge Street received formal guidance on Friday regarding when live music must stop at outdoor venues. The clarification resolves differing instructions previously given by law enforcement to establishment staff.

Drift-In owner Derek Williams requested the review following inconsistent feedback from police officers on consecutive nights. Williams reported that his employees received varying advice, including instructions to turn off the music, lower the volume, or close the wind shutters to classify the tiki bar area as indoor space.

"It depends on who’s working that night," Williams told the city commission during the Oct. 15 meeting. He noted that other Bridge Street businesses handle the transition at 10 p.m. differently, with some stopping music entirely while others maintain a low background level.

City Attorney Erica Augello stated that the municipal code provides little room for interpretation. She defined entertainment to include live vocalists, musicians, DJs, comedians, and karaoke performers at commercial establishments serving food or beverages. Augello confirmed that this type of live entertainment must be inside a completely enclosed building by 10 p.m., with windows closed and doors open only for entry and exit.

The city’s noise ordinance sets specific decibel limits for amplified music in commercial zones. The limit is 85 decibels from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., dropping to 75 decibels from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The limit decreases further to 65 decibels from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and 55 decibels from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Augello explained that activities not meeting the definition of entertainment, such as music from a radio or jukebox, may continue outdoors after 10 p.m. if they remain below the applicable decibel threshold. Mayor John Chappie added that patrons may still sit on decks and open outdoor areas, provided the noise stays within the legal limits.

Police Chief Lenard Diaz addressed how officers enforce these rules. He confirmed that officers carry decibel meters that are calibrated at least once a month, though one newer officer is still awaiting a device. Diaz stated that while wind shutters do not officially declare a space enclosed, low-volume background music is permitted in outdoor seating areas. He noted that recent incidents at the Drift-In involved music and dancing in the parking lot after 10 p.m.