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Sarasota News Leader September 6, 2013 Page 33 But DiPino noted that the majority of bar and restaurant owners are in compliance or willing to work with officers to make sure they abide by the ordinance in the future. She asked the commissioners if they wanted to consider stiffer penalties for noise scofflaws. One option is to revoke liquor licenses after bar owners receive one noise citation. "Some people know if there is a $100 or $200 fine, that may not impact them very much," DiPino said. "They may make that much in cover charge [fees] in the first hour." Snyder is not the only commissioner frustrated with those bar owners who seem to be ignoring the noise ordinance. Mayor Shannon Snyder. Photo by Norman Schimmel Further changes could be forthcoming. Chapman said the problem is more than just two or three businesses. "I think we need to have a comprehensive review of where we fall down," Chapman said "I agree our fines are not enough," Chapman about problems related to the city's sound regtold her colleagues. ulations. "It's clear some folks are not taking our ordiShe noted that big cities such as New York nance seriously," Commissioner Paul Caragiand Chicago have specific policies that do not ulo added. "I would think that is a problem." allow any outdoor amplified sound. "It's very discouraging if people are openly As far as policies and decibel levels, that "is thumbing their nose at the ordinance," Cara- a decision the commission needs to make," giulo added. DiPino told the board members. Commissioner Suzanne Atwell said stiffer "We will enforce anything you tell us to," DiPpenalties should be on the books. ino added, but the city has to be careful not "There has to be consequences here," Atwell to put into place rules that are overly broad. pointed out. "We keep coming back here "A lot of cities have been sued over freedom talking about the same things." of speech issues with noise," DiPino noted. Then the commissioners directed city staff to Chapman also mentioned Mattison's City combine two different ordinances that regu- Grille, on Lemon Avenue, which has a special late noise violations. allowance to play music an hour later during