Bernie's Gets Its 'Fair Shake' Approval for Outdoor Music

Bernie’s Beach Bar, a new Ocean Boulevard restaurant that replaces La Bec Rouge, will be allowed to host outdoor music and entertainment, although selectmen have ruled it must end by 11 p.m. instead of the 1 a.m. limit allowed by town ordinance. 

The Hampton Board of Selectmen had discussed the business’ entertainment license over the course of several meetings after receiving concerns from the public about loud outdoor music going late into the night and disrupting the surrounding neighborhood.

Similar discussions and evaluations were held last year about Wally’s Pub, a nearby Hampton Beach bar that shares the same owner as Bernie’s, Al Fleury, who made a variety of improvements and adjustments to successfully cut down on noise and issues at Wally’s.

After meetings in which Fleury presented information about when, where and how Bernie’s would host outdoor entertainment, selectmen felt comfortable setting the more-restrictive entertainment end time for the business while approving its entertainment license Monday night.

“I think 11 is a compromise between 9 o’clock and 1 o’clock,” said Selectman Mike Pierce, referencing the two extremes of what various residents and officials have previously discussed a possible end times for outdoor entertainment at Bernie’s, which opened for business last week.

Fleury said he doesn’t have a problem with the 11 p.m. restriction, as he said it’s what Hampton Police Chief Jamie Sullivan “wanted” and is fair in terms of the restrictions placed on other beach businesses.

“I understand your decision,” Fleury, who has said multiple times throughout the process that he just wants a "fair shake," told selectmen on Monday. “I respect it.”

Selectmen will hold a public hearing during their next meeting on Monday, July 15, to solicit input about possible future changes to Hampton’s noise ordinance.  The topic has generated some strong opinions in recent weeks during discussions about Bernie's.