Inspectors report 29 sound complaints; several businesses face tests or discipline

The Entertainment Commission received an enforcement update May 4 from Senior Inspector Vivino, who said the office logged 29 sound complaints since the last hearing and is focusing on outreach and compliance testing.

Vivino reviewed four businesses flagged for recent complaints: Mauna Loa (Fillmore) received a single back-patio complaint and is now applying for a JAM permit; Belcora (Green Street) was found operating outside permitted hours and agreed to an official sound test and time adjustments after inspector visits; Capua Gardens had repeated complaints and has a sound test scheduled for May 15, with DPH likely to conduct an educational visit because dancing remains prohibited under the health order; and Beau was found in compliance after multiple inspector visits but will schedule a proactive sound test to set limits.

"Since our last hearing, there have been 29 sound complaints, and we worked hard to resolve the majority of these issues," Vivino said. Inspector Fiorentino handled multiple site visits and will continue follow-up; Vivino said progressive discipline is the next step if sound tests substantiate complaints.

Staff emphasized that many complaints arise from patron yelling and loud voices and that inspectors will continue to educate managers about permit conditions and acceptable sound levels at 50 feet for JAM-style outdoor permits. Commissioners asked for continued monitoring and a concise permit-tracking sheet to make review easier.

Next steps: staff will conduct the scheduled sound tests, follow up on any noncompliant operators, and provide a shortened permit-tracking report for commissioners.