West Palm Beach's recently implemented noise ordinance is in full swing. Code enforcement officers are measuring noise levels and issuing citations if they are over the allowed decibels.
"If we feel that it's at an elevated level then we'll take a reading," said Maggie Cruz, a code compliance officers with the city of West Palm Beach.
The noise ordinance passed last year but up until now businesses were only given warnings. Business manager like Michael Steinberg at E.R. Bradley's Saloon Downtown are ready to be regulated. Nearby residents haven't been quiet about their disapproval of live music.
"This is an entertainment district. Where else can you go to watch live music?" said Steinberg.
Several bands play the restaurant on weekends. Steinberg says at least now he knows how loud he can go.
"Before it was a lot of grey area and it was really hard to judge because you could hear this conversation 20 feet away," added Steinberg.
Now any noise measures above 85 decibels of audio and 95 of bass from 20 feet away will get you a written warning. According to a decibel comparison chart, that's as loud as listening to city traffic from inside a car or even up to a train whistle.
If the noise continues it's a $250 citation. Every citation after that will have a fine of $1,000.
"It's nice to actually have a guideline to follow," added Steinberg.
