Thank you for your comments Jordana,
I wrote this article specifically to get people involved and talking about this issue. I wanted people to be aware that there is an ordinance, read it and learn the process for filing a complaint and how other communities have dealt with it. There is no question that lack of enforcement is a common complaint here.
There are a lot of outdoor music venues with Rosemary, Seaside, Watercolor, Aly's, the Hub. Now I've heard the FloraBama folks have taken over the town center stage in Gulf Place and are opening an amplified live entertainment venue/restaurant, Shump Gulley. I'm sure they will be good neighbors but all of these places as well as any restaurant hosting amplified, live entertainment have a potential to disturb the peace; it really should be simple. Play by the rules, be respectful to peace and quiet and everyone is happy. In that scenario business thrives and the community embraces you. Not so much if you disturb the peace in a residential area.
One of the largest complaints come from monster houses with crowds of 30 or more just being loud or wedding venues. I just think we have to try to get ahead of this and tighten the rules and demand enforcement. I would think the Sheriff would support a low tolerance for noise and would also support tightening the rules. Education is the key so everyone, venues, restaurants, rental companies, locals and tourists all know the rules so everyone can work together to enforce and comply with the rules.
This wheel has been invented in other communities, we just have a very low tolerance and stop noisemakers in their tracks. Don't get me wrong, I love live entertainment but there has to be a balance struck that works for everyone. People should be able to enjoy themselves in the privacy of their own home but when it affects the neighbors that is just plain wrong. It boils down to respect really.