St. Louis, MO Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise limit
- 86 dBA (A-weighted)
- Measured
- 50+ feet from source
- Restricted hours
- 11:00 p.m.–11:00 a.m.
- Enforcing agency
- Excise Commissioner
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
Summary
St. Louis caps amplified sound from licensed bars and nightclubs at 86 dBA measured 50 feet from the premises, enforced by the Excise Commissioner.
No licensee, servant, employee shall violate or allow the violation of the stricter of (1) any general noise ordinance or (2) shall operate, play, or permit the operation of any... sound device...to emit and direct music, spoken words, sounds or noise of any kind exceeding eight-six (86) decibels on an A-weighted scale when measured across property lines fifty (50) feet or more from...the licensed premises between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Under St. Louis Revised Code § 14.05.095, any liquor licensee is barred from operating a sound system, transmitter, or other device that emits music, spoken words, or noise exceeding 86 decibels on an A-weighted scale, measured across the property line at least 50 feet from the source or from inside/outside the premises to abutting sidewalks and streets, between 11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Licensees must also comply with whichever is stricter: this 86 dBA cap or the City's general noise ordinance. The rule sits inside Title 14 (Alcoholic Beverages), so it applies specifically to bars, taverns, nightclubs, and other establishments holding a drink license from the Excise Division.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the Excise Commissioner, who may impose a $500 administrative fine per violation and revoke, cancel, or suspend the liquor license, or combine those penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a St. Louis bar's music be at night?
What happens if a bar violates the noise limit?
Does the daytime hours limit apply too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri noise from specific sources overview
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