Bogue, CARTERET COUNTY — A Bogue business owner said he’s losing thousands of dollars every month because of a town-wide ban on outdoor entertainment.
Last year, the Bogue Town Council banned businesses from hosting outdoor music and large gatherings.
Richard Chapman, who owns Bogue Sound Distillery, said live music used to draw big crowds to his patio, sometimes hundreds of people.
He’s run the distillery for almost seven years. It sits next to an RV park and restaurant. While homes are nearby, Chapman said the music stage faces the road.
On Monday night, Chapman asked the town council for a special use permit that would allow him to bring outdoor entertainment back. The council denied his request.
Mayor Robert O’Chat defended the ban last year. He said it was meant to protect homeowners living near commercial properties.
Chapman admitted he received some noise complaints in the past. But he said he made changes like ending live music before midnight.
News 12 reached out to the town council for an interview but has not received a response.
Right now, businesses that had special permits before the ban can still host outdoor events. But getting one after the ban, Chapman says, has proven to be nearly impossible.