The City of Providence Committee on an Ordinance on Nov. 3 approved an amendment to Chapter 27 of the zoning ordinance that narrows when live "incidental entertainment" may be provided and broadens the definition of the locations where such entertainment is permitted.

Robert Azar, deputy director of the Department of Planning and Development, told the committee the amendment splits a long sentence into two and narrows the late-night allowance for live incidental music. "If incidental entertainment is provided as a live music performance, it shall cease at 09:00PM, Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00PM on Friday and Saturday, as well as on the Sunday night preceding a city recognized holiday that falls on a Monday," Azar read into the record.

Azar said the proposed wording aligns the zoning ordinance with other city licensing regulations and better captures the intent voiced during a public hearing held the previous week. Chairman Pedro Espinal noted the committee had received testimony from more than 60 people during that hearing and that staff had considered those remarks in drafting the revision.

Vice Chairwoman Peterson asked why the ordinance now uses the term "facility" instead of the prior phrasing "bar or restaurant." Azar said the broader term is intended to cover other uses where incidental entertainment might occur, including offices or public buildings, so long as the activity meets the definition's standards (for example, low-volume background music, trivia, karaoke and similar activities without a cover charge).

Azar and committee members emphasized that prerecorded music may still continue through a venue's closing time; the change applies specifically to live music provided as incidental entertainment.

Vice Chairwoman Peterson moved to amend the ordinance language as read into the record; Councilwoman Harris seconded. The committee voted in favor of the amendment and then voted to approve the ordinance as amended.

The amendment is recorded as a revision to the definition of "incidental entertainment" in Chapter 27 (City of Providence Zoning Ordinance, approved 11/24/2014, as amended). The committee did not specify an implementation date during the meeting.