West Springfield allows restaurants to host live music

July 7, 2020 | Danielle Eaton
DanielleE@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD– West Springfield will now allow restaurants in town to host live musical acts one week after Mayor William Reichelt said he was unsure if musical entertainment at such venues would be allowed.

Reichelt made an announcement via Facebook on Monday, June 27 outlining why he believed that live music wasn’t allowed under Governor Charlie Baker’s 38th Order. Reichelt said he had “seen multiple posts about ‘why can’t we have live music when some other place has it,’” but said the incident in question had taken place “late Friday afternoon” and he had “not been able to get clarity on whether or not we can do live music at restaurants.”

However, on June 26, prior to Reichelt’s Facebook statement, and before he could provide clarity on the subject, The Crest Room, a restaurant on 706 Westfield St released a statement of their own regarding the topic of live music. Originally, the restaurant had live music scheduled for June 25.

The statement said in part, “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of West Springfield have decided that at this point in time live entertainment of any kind would be against the well being of our community.”

They went on to say while they disagreed, they “respect their decision and know it was made with the best intentions.” The restaurant said, “Our belief is that we can operate under the guidelines in a way that would keep our guests, performers and staff safe.” They said they would comply with the state and town’s request to not host live music, but “will continue to look into having music.”

On June 30 Reichelt announced that live music would, in fact, be allowed at restaurants. He explained during a Facebook video that restaurants wishing to host live music would first need to submit “a quick permit application” through the city clerk’s office. Reichelt said that those interested in hosting live music must have an entertainment license to submit the permit.

“It’s very brief. If you have the license, it’s already almost an automatic approval,” he said. The permit application also states that prior to approval, the venue owner must first submit “a drawing detailing the space designated for entertainment.”

Restaurants who do not already have an entertainment license will need to first apply for it before requesting a permit to host live music. “If you don’t have the entertainment license, you got to go through that whole process,” Reichelt said.

  Once the permit is approved and live music is scheduled, there will be certain guidelines venues will have to abide by prior to, during and following the entertainment. Those approved for the permit must follow the following guidelines:

  • Restaurants must be following existing state guidelines
  • Social distancing and the wearing of masks must be enforced
  • Hand sanitizer must be made available to guests
  • Musical/entertainment acts must be distanced 13-feet from patrons
  • All members of musical/entertainment acts must wear face coverings when possible
  • No groups larger than 10 will be permitted
  • Restaurant patrons will not be allowed to linger after dining has finished and should be encouraged to stay no longer than an hour if possible

The application for the permit is specific to “non-dining related activities at restaurants.” The application states, “This guidance is designed to facilitate supplemental entertainment with dining activities at restaurants to increase business activity and revenues in a safe and responsible way during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This continues existing restrictions on concert and entertainment venues put in place by Baker following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those caught defying the guidelines set forth on the permit application or guidance from the state may have their permit for live music revoked by town officials.

Those interested in applying for a permit for live music can do so at https://www.townofwestspringfield.org/home/showdocument?id=10164&fbclid=IwAR0IHJi2ArgWrBKDuDKnuSCgFRKmetoUnxAul3bXC3gvD-t6IRt8iNv41JY. Questions for Reichelt or other city officials regarding the permit process or application can be sent to mayor@tows.org.

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