Santa Monica : Promenade Noise Deplored

Santa Monica City Atty. Robert M. Myers will study ways in which loud music can be kept from spilling out of local nightclubs, including whether requiring revolving doors or two entrances is feasible.

The council voted 6 to 0 this week, with Councilman Ken Genser abstaining, to have Myers draft an ordinance that would deal with the noise that leaks out of downtown and Main Street district nightspots when doors are left open.

The issue of nightclub noise has arisen primarily as a result of the growing popularity of the Third Street Promenade as a center of night life. In recent weeks, several City Council members and area residents have begun to suggest publicly that the number of music and drinking establishments along the Promenade has become excessive.

Myers, who was asked by the council to consider if various door designs could hamper the sounds, said a new door regulation will probably need a change to the city’s zoning ordinance, which would force existing and future nightspots to conform to the rule.