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Date: 3/30/2022
EASTHAMPTON – The Easthampton Licensing Board approved an outdoor live entertainment application process on March 9, effective April 1, in response to growing complaints about local events that previously could not be regulated, according to License Commissioner Lindsi Mailler.
“The implementation of this license was to help our community and businesses come together in communications for events,” Mailler said. “The city of Easthampton does not have a noise ordinance, so this is the first step for the city for means of mitigating complaints.”
The process of approving the application took place over the past few months and featured a trio of public hearings for additional input. The board also recommended “good behavior” language which has been added to the application. Mailler said the addition was to help clarify why they were requiring this application in the first place.
“With the new permitting process in place, it would allow a real-time contact that the enforcement could call and ask the event to turn it down if too many complaints were coming in,” Mailler said.
The good behavior criteria will make anyone seeking an outdoor live entertainment license commit to being a responsible neighbor in the community. It continues to say, “Out of consideration for others in the community, the emission of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of the community or an individual is prohibited.”
Mailler said that the definition of unreasonably loud “would be input from our community and enforcement. Previously, we would get complaints the day after an event happened, and there wasn’t much the board could do.” With the good behavior language added, Mailler expects an easier process to resolve noise complaints from local bars or events.
The application has a $25 processing fee and can be found at 50 Payson Ave. or online at https://bit.ly/3IGEXfc. The application recommends giving at least one month’s notice before an event but clarifies that establishments with an existing liquor license should continue using the special-one-day application as usual for any performers.
The application requires all information about the event, including expected attendees, location, type of entertainment and a contact that must be continuously available in the event of complaints. The good behavior language concludes with “Applicants should be mindful to monitor/control the behavior of attendees so that the program, event or activity complies with the approved license at all times.”
Mailler said that the likely penalty for event planners that do not comply will be non-issuance of future licenses.