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Reno City Council Approves Late-Night Permit for Midtown's Blue Moon Bar

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 20:33 GMT by Reno Gazette-Journal

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Reno City Council Grants Late‑Night Entertainment Permit to Midtown Bar, Sparking Mixed Reactions

On Friday, November 10, 2025, the Reno City Council approved a pivotal zoning amendment that allows the long‑running Midtown bar, The Blue Moon, to extend its operating hours into the early morning. The motion, which passed with a 5‑to‑2 vote, lifts the current midnight curfew that has governed the Midtown district since the 1990s and permits the bar to host live music, karaoke, and other late‑night entertainment until 3 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The decision, formalized at the city’s 7 p.m. meeting, follows a series of hearings that spanned two weeks in early November. City officials, community members, and bar representatives presented their views in a structured format, with the city’s Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) chairing the proceedings. The council released the full minutes of the meeting, available on the city’s website, along with the updated ordinance in PDF form.

Key Conditions of the Permit

The new ordinance stipulates several conditions aimed at balancing business interests with public safety and community well‑being:

1. Sound Control: The bar must maintain an average noise level below 60 dB during the extended hours. A professional sound engineer is required to conduct weekly measurements, with records submitted to the city’s Noise Control Division.

2. Security Measures: The Blue Moon must employ a licensed security team of at least two guards during late‑night hours and provide a secure entry/exit system that logs all patrons.

3. Crowd Management: The bar’s capacity will be capped at 300 patrons during late‑night hours, with a dedicated crowd‑control plan that includes clear signage, an emergency evacuation route, and coordination with local police.

4. Community Feedback: The city will hold a follow‑up town‑hall meeting in December to review any complaints and evaluate whether the extended hours are meeting the city’s objectives.

5. Economic Impact: The bar’s owner, John Sullivan, must submit an annual report detailing the economic benefits generated—such as job creation, tax revenue, and increased patronage of nearby businesses—to the Chamber of Commerce.

The ordinance also requires the bar to maintain its existing fire‑safety certifications and to participate in the city’s “Late‑Night Nightlife” educational program, which covers topics from responsible alcohol service to crisis response.

Why the Change Matters

The Blue Moon has been a staple of Midtown’s nightlife scene for 30 years, drawing both locals and visitors to its eclectic mix of indie music, craft cocktails, and community events. The bar’s owner argued that the midnight curfew was a relic of a more conservative era that no longer reflected the needs of a thriving 21st‑century economy. “We’ve lost a lot of revenue because people stay out longer in other cities that allow 3 a.m. operations,” Sullivan said. “This change will help keep jobs and keep Midtown vibrant.”

Councilman Lisa Ramirez highlighted the potential for increased tourism and the need to stay competitive with neighboring Las Vegas Strip and Carson City. “This is a step toward positioning Reno as a modern entertainment hub,” Ramirez said. “We’re seeing a demographic shift; the younger generation wants extended nightlife.”

On the flip side, several residents expressed concerns about noise and safety. A 22‑year‑old resident, Maya Patel, told the council, “I live just a block away. I worry about the traffic and the possibility of late‑night disturbances.” A former police chief, retired Officer Tom Delgado, added that while the city’s conditions are stringent, he would still monitor the situation closely. He emphasized the importance of a “robust partnership between law enforcement and the bar” to prevent incidents.

Wider Context and Precedent

The city’s decision echoes a broader trend in the Western United States, where several mid‑size cities are loosening curfew restrictions to boost tourism and local economies. A linked article on the Reno Gazette‑Journal cites a 2024 study by the Nevada Economic Research Institute that projected a 12% increase in downtown business revenue from extended late‑night hours. Another reference in the article leads to the Reno Tourism Board’s page, which showcases how cities that have adopted similar policies have attracted larger crowds for events such as the annual “Downtown Jazz Fest” and the “Reno Food & Wine Festival.”

Additionally, the city’s ordinance builds on the “Late‑Night Entertainment” framework established in 2019, which already allowed restaurants with dedicated entertainment spaces to operate until 2 a.m. on weekdays. The expansion to 3 a.m. for bars reflects an incremental approach that the council hopes will allow for adjustments based on data collected over the first year.

Looking Ahead

City officials have outlined a monitoring plan that will include quarterly reports from The Blue Moon and community feedback collected through an online portal. If the bar fails to meet any of the conditions—such as sustained noise violations or safety incidents—city staff will recommend revocation of the permit.

Councilmember Omar Vega, who voted in favor, emphasized the importance of partnership: “We’re not just opening the door; we’re opening it with a set of responsibilities. We’ll be in close contact with the bar and the community.”

The new ordinance officially takes effect on January 1, 2026, giving The Blue Moon and the city a full month to prepare for the change. As Reno’s downtown landscape continues to evolve, the city’s willingness to adapt its regulations may set a precedent for other municipalities navigating the intersection of economic development, nightlife, and quality of life.