New rules are now in effect for Portsmouth restaurants and entertainment venues after the city council voted to update its entertainment ordinance Tuesday night. The measure passed 5-2 and will impact how late businesses like Bar 9 in the Cradock area can stay open.
Bar 9, an upscale restaurant, received its official entertainment permit at the meeting. Renata Brown, the restaurant’s managing member, said the new approval allows Bar 9 to extend its weekend hours.
“We have been approved, so we are able to open later on Fridays and Saturdays to 2 a.m.,” Brown told WTKR.
What’s in the New Ordinance?
The updated ordinance outlines several key changes for businesses operating in the city:
- Private clubs are no longer allowed to operate in the same space as restaurants or entertainment venues.
- Restaurants can operate from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. without an entertainment permit.
- Establishments that want to stay open until 2 a.m. must now obtain a special entertainment permit.
- Any venue with more than two documented police responses in a 12-month period may face City Council review or permit revocation.
- All restaurants and entertainment establishments must follow all safety, alcohol, and compliance guidelines.
The rules will be enforced by the city’s zoning administrator. Violations could result in temporary closures. Restaurants with revoked permits may face a six-month ban and a review of their alcohol licenses if they are suspended, revoked or surrendered…