Spring Hill, TN Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Indoor limit
- 95 dB(A) or more for more than 30 seconds
- Venues named
- Restaurant, bar, café, discotheque, dance hall
- Where measured
- Any area where the public is invited inside
- Beer permit holders
- No loud, unusual or obnoxious noises, § 8-222(D)
- Maximum fine
- Not more than $500, each day separate
Summary
In the City of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Municipal Code § 11-402(C)(3) makes it unlawful to sustain an amplitude of 95 dB(A) or more for more than 30 seconds inside any enclosed place of public entertainment, including a restaurant, bar, café, discotheque or dance hall. Beer permit holders face a separate ban on loud, unusual or obnoxious noises under § 8-222(D).
(3) Enclosed places of public entertainment. (a) It shall be unlawful to sustain in any enclosed place of public entertainment including but not limited to a restaurant, bar, café, discotheque, dance hall, any amplitude equal to or in excess of 95 dB(A) sustained for more than 30 seconds. (b) Such sound or noise is to be measured by a sound level meter approved by the American Standards Association from any area to which the public is invited within any enclosed public place of public entertainment.
Full Breakdown
Subsection (C)(3) of the Unnecessary Noise Standard is written for the inside of venues. It prohibits sustaining, in any enclosed place of public entertainment including but not limited to a restaurant, bar, café, discotheque or dance hall, any amplitude equal to or in excess of 95 dB(A) for more than 30 seconds. The reading is taken by a sound level meter approved by the American Standards Association from any area to which the public is invited within the enclosed place, which means the test is applied where patrons stand, not at the property line.
Several neighboring provisions apply to venues. Under item (2) of subsection (A), operating a radio, musical instrument, live band, amplifier or loudspeaker between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, so that it is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation. Item (4) bars yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing in commercial parking lots open to the public, and an owner or manager open between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. must locate customer parking so patrons do not violate the chapter, where parking is permitted within 100 feet of a residential zone.
A bar that sells beer also answers to its permit. Section 8-222(D) makes it unlawful for any beer permit holder to allow any loud, unusual or obnoxious noises to emanate from his or her premises. The Beer Board can suspend or revoke a permit after a public hearing, with notice served at least five days before the hearing, and the permit holder must appear in person.
Noise from an enclosed venue that crosses a property line is also tested under the octave-band Table I in subsection (C)(2), with seven subtracted from each level from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at any time on Sunday or holidays.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 11-402 is a misdemeanor with a fine not exceeding $500, and each day is a separate offense. The judge can order the guilty party to pay reasonable rental and operator costs of city audio equipment used to prove the violation. A beer permit holder who allows loud, unusual or obnoxious noises faces a Beer Board show-cause hearing that can end in suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the indoor sound limit for bars in Spring Hill?
Where is the 95 dB(A) reading taken?
Is there a separate rule for bars that sell beer?
Does amplified music have a nighttime audibility test?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spring Hill
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