Plainfield, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Section 9:9-11(f) of the Plainfield Municipal Code is the operative condition on a licensed entertainment venue. Public entertainment, defined in § 9:9-1, includes theatrical or variety performances, dances, exhibitions, music halls and any other type of place of public entertainment open to the public generally, and § 9:9-2 requires a license before anyone conducts it. The application is filed with the License Bureau at least 3 days before the event (§ 9:9-3(a)). The Mayor grants the license if the application is complete and true, the applicant has complied with every requirement of § 9:9-11, and the fee is paid (§ 9:9-8). Among those requirements: the premises cannot be dangerous or hazardous, no unsanitary conditions or traffic hazards can exist, there must be sufficient accommodations for the public, and no license permits disorderly or immoral conduct, gambling or lewd performances on the premises.

The noise condition cross-references Chapter 10, Article 8. Under § 10:8-3(d), no one can play a radio, musical instrument, phonograph or other sound device with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing of the person operating it and voluntary listeners, or in a way that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants. Sound plainly audible at 100 feet from the building or place where it is operated is prima facie evidence of a violation. The same subsection states that nothing in it prohibits playing by a band or orchestra in a hall, building or in the open air, so the entertainment itself is not banned, but § 9:9-11(f) still binds the licensee. Section 10:8-3(b) separately bars a commercial enterprise from locating a device on the exterior of its premises that emits loud sounds so as to annoy or disturb passersby.

Bars face a second rule. Under § 4:1-21 no alcoholic beverage licensee can, during business hours, allow disturbances, lewdness, brawls, unnecessary noises or unlawful acts in or on the licensed premises that interfere with the free and uninterrupted use of the premises by others lawfully there.