37 Main Johns Creek Closes Doors

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- The music venue that spurred the push to create more stringent noise violation laws in Johns Creek has closed its doors.

37 Main posted last week on its Facebook page that it has closed its facility at 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway. Late last week, the venue said it's in the process of scouting new locations and had a "great meeting" with city of Roswell officials.

It also encouraged fans to continue following its Facebook page to see where it will eventually land.

"Thank you for all of the support we've received throughout this battle with the city of Johns Creek," the company said. "We would love to spread (sic) light on the situation so this does not happen to anyone else. We encourage you to keep politely exercising your First Amendment and let the city of Johns Creek know how upset you are that they closed 37 Main."

37 Main is referring to new noise regulations approved last week by the Johns Creek City Council, which use a “plainly audible” standard to determine whether amplified sound from an entertainment venue is violating the ordinance.

According to this standard, a violation occurs "when listener with normal hearing can understand speech, whether the voice is normal or raised, and whether the listener can distinguish repetitive bass sounds and musical rhythms without the aid of a listening device at a receiving residential property," the city states.

The issue was prompted by complaints from residents who live near the 17,000-square-foot, 900-seat restaurant, bar and music venue that opened in May 2014 in an adjoining commercial center. There have been longstanding complaints from homeowners in the Medlock Bridge neighborhood about noise during concerts, the city notes.

Some residents even relayed to the city that the music is so loud that they can hear the lyrics or bass from their homes.

The venture is operated by brothers John, David and Joe White, and opened its first establishment in Buford in December 2008.

“The new noise provisions of the nuisance ordinance balance the desire by residents to be able to quietly and peacefully enjoy their homes without undue noise disruption of their daily lives,” Mayor Mike Bodker previously said. “Our community wants our businesses to successfully operate while limiting noise emanating from the inside of their businesses.”

The White brothers argue Johns Creek has made it harder for 37 Main to operate in the city, adding it has been subjected to three years of "criminal probation, huge fines and an unrealistic time that we were forced to end bands." That time, according to 37 Main, was 11 p.m.

It's "tremendously hard" for a venue such as 37 Main to survive on an 11 p.m. stipulation, as it doesn't charge tickets like other venues such as Chastain Park in Buckhead and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta.

"We absolutely hate to close, but our hand has been forced," the company continued "We cannot have the growth of 37 Main be put to a stop by the biased city council members of Johns Creek."

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Image via 37 Main's Facebook page