Jersey City, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Nightclub cap, daytime
- 65 dB, noon–10 p.m.
- Nightclub cap, nighttime
- 50 dB, 10 p.m.–close
- Restaurant cap, daytime
- 55 dB, noon–10 p.m.
- Restaurant cap, nighttime
- 45 dB, 10 p.m.–close
- Outdoor entertainment
- Barred by default, Director approval required
- Overrides
- Supersedes Chapter 222 general noise code
- Enforcement
- License suspension/revocation, § 157-9
Summary
Jersey City caps the sound level of licensed entertainment instead of leaving it to the general noise code: nightclubs are held to 65 dB before 10 p.m. and 50 dB after, restaurants to 55 dB and 45 dB, under Chapter 157's Entertainment License conditions, which the Division of Commerce enforces license-by-license.
(a)Notwithstanding noise regulation in Chapter 222 of the Jersey City Code to the contrary, any entertainment under this Nightclub Entertainment License shall be restricted to a decibel level of 65 dB from Noon to 10 P.M., and shall be restricted to 50 dB from 10 P.M. to close of entertainment in accordance with § 157-4C(1), seven days per week... (a)Notwithstanding noise regulation in Chapter 222 of the Jersey City Code to the contrary, any entertainment under this Restaurant Entertainment License shall be restricted to a decibel level of 55 dB from Noon to 10 P.M., and shall be restricted to 45 dB from 10 P.M. to close of entertainment in accordance with § 157-4C(1), seven days per week.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 157 sets decibel caps directly into the Nightclub and Restaurant Entertainment License conditions rather than relying on Chapter 222's general noise limits. m. The chapter also defines how a complaint gets measured: § 157-2 defines an 'aggrieved party' as anyone bothered by sound from a licensed establishment, and lays out a 'decibel measurement' protocol, indoors, taken from the point in the aggrieved party's own premises most affected by the sound with all doors, windows and interior sound sources shut off, or outdoors from any point on the aggrieved party's property excluding city rights-of-way.
m. m. Thursday through Saturday, and it's prohibited at every establishment by default under § 157-3A(1)(b)/(2)(b) unless the Director specifically approves it in the license application. Section 157-10B makes clear the entertainment-license conditions 'supersede any other provisions found in other chapters of the Jersey City Municipal Code,' so the decibel caps in this chapter, not Chapter 222's general limits, govern licensed nightlife venues.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the decibel cap is a violation of the license conditions. Under § 157-9, the Director of Commerce may suspend or revoke the license after a 10-day hearing notice, and the Director of Commerce or Director of Public Safety may impose an emergent suspension of up to 30 days on just two days' notice if immediate action is needed to protect public health, safety or welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a Jersey City nightclub be?
Are restaurants held to the same noise limit as nightclubs?
How is a noise complaint measured against a bar?
Can a bar have outdoor entertainment in Jersey City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jersey City
Compare Jersey City to another location·View the New Jersey noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.