Community outrage over a proposed ban on outdoor entertainment for businesses

Town of Bogue, CARTERET COUNTY — In Monday’s public hearing, the Town Council of Bogue faced strong opposition from community members over a proposal by the Bogue Planning Board to ban outdoor entertainment for businesses.

About fifty people attended the hearing, voicing their concerns and objections. The meeting saw heightened emotions, with two people escorted out by a deputy from sharing their displeasure over the proposal.

One of the business owners who says he’s deeply affected by this proposal is Richard Chapman, who owns Bogue Sound Distillery. Hosting outdoor parties with up to 300 guests has been a cornerstone of his business for the past six years.”We want people to come in here and enjoy themselves. We don’t want a bunch of drunks here doing stuff,” he said.

Chapman mentioned an initial noise complaint when the distillery first opened. Since then, they have implemented measures to address the issue, including turning off the music and sending everyone home by midnight. Despite these efforts, Chapman worries that the proposed ban will have severe financial repercussions for his business. “It will hurt a lot – we support a lot of people that work here, we support the community – it’s just not good,” he said.

Mayor Robert O’Chat defended the proposal, emphasizing the need to protect residents whose homes are near commercial properties. “Most of our commercial property backs up to residential property – we are trying to be very respectful to the residents,” he explained. He said numerous noise complaints and the town’s lack of a local police department as primary reasons for the proposal.

However, the community expressed confusion and concern over what constitutes “outdoor entertainment.” O’Chat clarified, “I think anything along the lines that would be excessive noise, large crowds, anything that would be disturbing to the residential areas in close proximity to the businesses.”

The mayor also mentioned that if the proposal is passed, it would primarily affect new businesses. Existing businesses could continue outdoor entertainment if they hold a permit for it. Unfortunately for Chapman, his distillery only has indoor entertainment permits, and he would need to obtain a special permit for outdoor events, which could be challenging under the new regulations.

Chapman believes the decision should be made by the people living in Bogue. The mayor said the hearing, lasting nearly an hour filled with public complaints, pushed the town council to postpone the vote to the next council meeting.