A noise ordinance that will give downtown Franklin businesses a little leeway when hosting music events was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Franklin city manager Tracy Jamieson said.
The ordinance is designed to protect the city’s downtown businesses from a state law that doesn’t allow noise to be heard beyond the venue’s property line. The law is enforced by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.
Violating the law runs the risk of incurring a fine of up to $300.
The formal hearing was held July 12 in council chambers, and several business owners and city employees testified about the importance of evening music in the downtown business district.
“This is what we do in Franklin,” Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Jodi Lewis said at the hearing.
“I see it as more of a community oriented ordinance,” police chief Kevin Anundson testified during the hearing.
Police will now be responsible for enforcing the ordinance, which Anundson said will be done at officers’ discretion.
Anundson said enforcing the ordinance will not add burden to officers as they already patrol the area.
