The College Park City Council voted on July 7 to support the applications of three downtown restaurants to add or continue late-night entertainment.
The Hall, which will rebrand as The Lakelander under new ownership once renovations are complete and permits are awarded, has applied to the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners for a permit to continue hosting live bands and DJs.
Looney’s Pub, a Route 1 nightlife staple since 2011, is looking to renew an entertainment license that has expired. Looney’s, a sprawling Irish sports bar and grill on the street level of The Varsity apartment building, traditionally has featured live bands, DJs and karaoke nights.
And the owners of the two-year-old Dog Haus Biergarten, located on the plaza level of City Hall, previously have not offered entertainment and plan to bring in DJs a couple of times a week in an effort to bolster evening-hours foot traffic. The restaurant serves hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches, along with craft beers and signature cocktails.
City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) said the council’s support sends a message to local business owners.
“We want to signal to the business community that College Park is willing and able and supportive that there be entertainment in the community,” Hernandez said. “We can’t say we want to have third spaces and then not take action.”
In Prince George’s County, businesses need an entertainment permit from the liquor board, separate from a liquor license, to offer performance-based entertainment after 9 p.m.
Attorney Ben Carter, who represented the three venues at the council meeting, said The Hall, located at 4656 Hotel Drive near The Hotel at the University of Maryland, would stop the music by 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Hernandez suggested that the restaurant, bar and events venue consider extending those hours to attract millennials looking for an entertainment spot designed to appeal to patrons beyond students.
“Most of the entertainment options for folks in their early 30s are either the Cornerstone or the Greene Turtle, but they’re really more alcohol focused,” he said. “I have to go to D.C. if I want to go do some sort of [alternative] entertainment.”
Others suggested a midnight or 1 p.m. cutoff for the music.
“I can’t say I expected that request,” Carter said.
Still, several councilmembers said late-night music can disturb those living nearby.
“We try to create a quality of life while still supporting entertainment in town,” Councilmember Denise Mitchell (District 4), noted.