New Regulations to Begin at Bamboo Grille

The proprieters of the Bamboo Grille and Fair Winds Fine Catering were preparing to sit down on Wednesday and discuss what type of music will be presented after July 1, following Tuesday's Township Committee vote to ban amplified music on an outdoor patio, said one of the principals, Jim Finnigan.

Complaints from the adjacent homeowners that they must endure four days each week of loud music and loud voices from outdoor crowds resulted in the  The new license takes effect on July 1 and runs through next June 30, said Bruce McArthur, township administrator.

The condition of a ban on any amplified music was attached to the annual renewal of the establishment's liquor license. Township Committeeman John Carpenter said that he and Committeewoman Mary Pavlini had to mediate a solution in past years, but never felt that any progress was made.

Carpenter, who initially proposed a total ban on music on the outdoor patio, said he believed the Township Committee had arrived at a compromise following the public discussion.

Township Committeeman Scott Spitzer did not support the resolution, instead proposing some sort of restriction on hours or number of days the outdoor music could be permitted.

Finnigan said on Wednesday he would have preferred such a solution.

McArthur said the Bamboo Grille proprietors have the option of appealing the Township Committee's decision to the state Alcoholic  Beverage Commission.

Richard Rafanello, attorney for the restaurant and catering facility, said on Tuesday that the owners may avail themselves of that option.

Finnegan said on Wednesday the complaints were coming from two neighboring households. He said the residents had been making complaints under a township nuisance ordinance, which he criticized for having no specific criteria to follow. He said the principals had provided food and beverage service at the facility since 2003, but there had been a restaurant and catering hall there for many decades.

After Tuesday's meeting, another principal, Jack Welch, said the committee's ban will hurt business. "I don't know of any entertainer who operates without a microphone," he added.

The meeting also was attended by about 100 other people who said the Bamboo Grille is an asset to the community in many ways, whether by paying taxes, creating local jobs or providing a place to relax.

"The majority has spoken," said resident Dave Allegra. "It's a good business, and it's good for the community."

On the other hand, neighbor Cathy Ross said, "This business is simply affecting our quality of life in Bernards Township."

On Wednesday, Carpenter said one of the residents had invited him to the neighboring house on a night when music was outdoors. He said the music was loud enough so those on the back deck had to raise their voices to be heard, and it could be heard indoors even with the windows. closed.

During one police response, an officer said the music was so loud indoors that the police dispatcher in headquarters could hear it on the radio, Carpenter said.

Carpenter also explained on Wednesday that municipal noise ordinances are difficult to enforce, requiring specially trained decibel experts to testify in cases.

Carpenter added that the Township Committee's decision the previous night "should serve as a wake-up call to them (the Bamboo Grille) to be good neighbors."