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Annapolis, MD Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Indoor music cutoff
15 min before closing
Class C/F hard cutoff
2 a.m. at latest
Exterior music
Requires ABC Board approval
Enforcement
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Repeat violation risk
License revocation

Summary

Annapolis alcoholic beverage licensees must cut all music inside a bar or nightclub within 15 minutes of closing and keep sound suppressed so it isn't audible outside the building.

A.All mechanical, electronic, live or other music within a licensed premises shall cease fifteen minutes prior to the closing hour as designated for the class license except that establishments holding class C and class F licenses shall cease no later than two a.m.B.Appropriate sound suppression techniques shall be employed to ensure that noise or sounds of music originating within a structure are not audible off the premises upon which the structure is located.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 7.12.340 requires every alcoholic beverage licensee to silence all mechanical, electronic, or live music inside the premises fifteen minutes before closing, or by 2 a.m. at the latest for Class C and Class F licenses. Sound suppression techniques must keep music from being audible off the premises, and no music may be played on an exterior portion of a licensed premises without prior approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Repeat violations also expose the venue's owner or manager to license revocation by the Board under the City's separate public dancing and music curfew, § 11.12.040.

Violations & Fines

Music audible off premises after the cutoff, or any exterior music without Board approval; the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board may revoke the license for repeat offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Annapolis bar play live music after 2 a.m.?
No. Class C and Class F licensees must stop all music by 2 a.m., and every other license class must stop 15 minutes before its designated closing hour.
Can a nightclub in Annapolis have outdoor speakers or a patio band?
Only with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's prior approval and any conditions it sets under § 7.12.340(C); unapproved exterior music is prohibited.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

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All Annapolis rules

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