'We have a reputation as a stodgy community' says councillor supporting amplified music on patios

London is known by some musicians for all the wrong reasons -- a place where you can't get a gig because of bylaws prohibiting amplified music and dancing on restaurant and bar patios.

"It's very difficult for musicians to get work in London," said London-based freelanced musician Dan Baerg, who is supportinga move by a council committee to change the bylaw.

• London patios could soon pump up the volume

The same bylaw also prohibits dancing and other forms of entertainment, with theexception of acoustic music.

"I know there are people living downtown who say they don't want noise, but that's kind of the deal you sign when you move to the downtown core in a big, thriving city," Baergsaid.

Council vote coming

On Tuesday night, the city cleared one more hurdle in the effort to get amplified music and dancing to be allowed.

Despite presentations from residents concerned about increased music volume, the bylaw change passed unanimously at the city's planning committee.

It must still be approved by full council next week.

"As long as we have this reputation as a stodgy, old community where no one does anything fun, we're always going to be fighting an uphill battle in getting millennial to move here or university students to stay here," said Coun. Maureen Cassidy, who sits on the planning committee.

"If we're going to be an attractive place where young people want to come and young people want to stay, we had to make this change."

London is also trying to promote itself as a music-friendly city, so allowing bands to play outside is key to that, Cassidy said.

"We can't compete with Toronto on all things, but we can compete with Toronto on a lot of things," she said. "I really hope that we do see live music on patios and not just restaurants sticking speakers outside. I'd love to see a nice variety."

Midnight would be cutoff

Coun. Jesse Helmer joked at Tuesday's committee meeting that even a mime couldn't perform on a patio under the current rules.

Instead, he favours patio music be governed by the city's noise bylaw.

"I hope we can send the message that you can have fun in London. It will give London a different image. (Live music) provides a different kind of vibrancy. I think it adds to the fun," said Helmer.

The new rules, if passed, would allow amplified on patios until midnight.

Last time the city tried to pass similar rule changes, before last summer's CCMA Awards and country music showcase, an appeal was brought before the Ontario Municipal Board.

Helmer said he hopes that doesn't happen again.

"What I don't want to see is another patio season go by without this," he said.