The owner of several bars and clubs in Raleigh’s Glenwood South has won a lawsuit against the city for its nightlife regulations.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Holcombe III’s ruling called the city of Raleigh’s ordinance that requires businesses to get a nightlife permit and pay fees “illegal and unenforceable.”
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Holcombe’s ruling cited North Carolina statutes along with the United States Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution.
"We are obviously pleased with the outcome, however there are no operational changes that will occur as a result,” bar owner Dan Lovenheim wrote in a statement to WRAL News. “We look forward to working with the city to continue to mitigate nightlife issues and create a positive environment.”
Lovenheim, who is with the Oak City Group, has taken exception to how Raleigh police are issuing citations.
The ordinance says if the sound is unreasonable from 150 feet away, police can write a citation. Those who violate the noise ordinance have to pay $250 for a first-time offense. The city raised the price from $100 in February 2024.
Glenwood South has been the subject of debate over the last few years as some residents complaining about noise and crime. It includes three people going to the hospital after a stabbing on Glenwood South in July 2024, and the August 2023 death of a Midwood Smokehouse's general manager.
The city has since increased the police presence in the area.
The Oak City Group includes:
- The Avenue
- Devolve
- Alchemy
- Village
- Underground
- Whiskey Rose
- The Row / Arcadia
- Westwood
- Pearl & Peril