Manchester, NH Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility standard
- plainly audible 50 ft from lot line
- Restricted hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Enforcement
- Police Chief or designee
- First offense fine
- $100
- Fourth+ offense fine
- $1,000
Summary
Manchester bars and nightclubs can't run music or sound systems that stay plainly audible 50 feet past the property line between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.: that alone is treated as proof of a violation.
The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device by a commercial establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the lot line, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
(3) Use, operate, or permit to be played, used, or operated, any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound which is cast upon the public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising or attracting the attention of the public to any building or structure in such a manner that the occupants of a neighboring premises disturbed or annoyed.
(4) Yell, shout, hoot, whistle, or sing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in neighboring premises.
(5) Keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in a neighboring premises.
(6) Use any automobile, motorcycle, or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.
(7) Transport rails, pillars, or columns of iron, steel or other
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 94 sets citywide noise limits, but § 94.42(K)(2) targets commercial establishments directly: any radio, phonograph, loudspeaker or sound system run by a business between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that's plainly audible 50 feet from the lot line, structure or vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation, no decibel meter needed. The general Table A limits in § 94.10 also cap commercial-source noise reaching a residential receptor at 55 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). The Police Chief or a designee enforces the chapter, and a Noise Variance Board can grant relief for specific events.
Violations & Fines
Each violation, and each day it continues within a calendar year, is a separate offense: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third, $1,000 for a fourth or later offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bar need an actual decibel reading to be cited in Manchester?
Can a nightclub get relief from Manchester's noise limits for a special event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire 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.