Bristol County, MA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Bristol County, MA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- License
- MGL c. 140 §183A
- Outdoor Events
- One-day permit
- Liquor Venues
- ABCC conditions
- State Backstop
- MGL c. 272 §53
Summary
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate outdoor amplification. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace is the state backstop.
Section 53. (a) Common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female, persons who with offensive and disorderly acts or language accost or annoy another person, lewd, wanton and lascivious persons in speech or behavior, keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 6 months, or by a fine of not more than $200, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (b) Disorderly persons and disturbers of the peace shall, for a first offense, be punished by a fine of not more than $150. For a second or subsequent offense, disorderly persons and disturbers of the peace shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 6 months or by a fine of not more than $200 or by both such fine and imprisonment; provided, however, that an elementary or secondary school student shall not be adjudged a delinquent child for a violation of this subsection for such conduct within school buildings or on school grounds or in the course of school-related events.
Full Breakdown
Each Bristol County municipality regulates amplified music through its local licensing board or board of selectmen. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require entertainment licenses under MGL c. 140 §183A for venues presenting live or recorded amplified music. Outdoor festivals and block parties need special one-day entertainment permits. ABCC-licensed bars and restaurants must comply with noise conditions on their liquor licenses. Residential amplified music is governed by local noise bylaws and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 (sound exceeding ambient by 10+ dB at the property line). Historic downtowns in Taunton and New Bedford have active nightlife with amplified-music enforcement zones. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace is the state backstop for repeat complaints.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted amplification: $100 to $500 per incident. Entertainment license revocation for repeat violations. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace charges possible for egregious cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating amplified music rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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