By James Merolla

Nightclubs and bars, normally forced to close windows and doors to stifle music, might have found a loophole to reopen them for health reasons.

The Newport City Council unanimously voted on Sept. 23 to continue a request for an entertainment license expansion for the Newport Blue’s Café. The restaurant’s attorney argued that, due to COVID-19 information about the spread of the disease due to poor ventilation indoors, the order to close their doors and windows when music plays should be rescinded.

Attorney Matthew Leys, representing the club’s owner, said the café was originally granted its license on June 24 in conjunction with the transfer of the liquor license, with the condition imposed to keep all doors and windows closed. Leys said the club would still be subject to the city noise ordinance “if there were any issues.”

Councilor Justin McLaughlin asked City Solicitor Christopher Behan if the noise closure was within the city ordinance or a special condition that the council had levied to appease annoyed neighbors. “If it’s in the ordinance, this is not the way to change it,” said McLaughlin.

He said other businesses bound by similar restrictions may then come and ask to change it, “So, maybe this is a broader issue.” (Read More)