Carpinteria Brewery Hit with Noise Lawsuit Over Live Music
Patricia Martellotti
CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Carpinteria’s Island Brewing Company is facing a lawsuit after neighbors claimed their live music nights are too loud.
The live music that’s drawn crowds to Island Brewing for years is now at the center of a legal battle.
“I’ve been coming here for years. It’s part of why I love Carpinteria—taking that away would be awful,” said customer Larry Nimmer of Island Brewing.
“We tried to talk many times with them even asked what we can do to help the situation,” said co-owner Cheryl Wright of Island Brewing.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Stephen and Mary Eileen Marcussen, who live on the 4,000 block of Third Street.
The lawsuit says the music has disrupted sleeping, working from home, and entertaining guests.
Stephen Marcussen told Your News Channel via text message that he’s tried for years to resolve the dispute, but this is where they are quote “reluctantly” now.
The City says it has reviewed the lawsuit and will defend against allegations that the brewery’s live entertainment violates noise limits and constitutes a public nuisance.
Whether this dispute will quiet the music—or the crowds—remains to be seen as the legal fight continues.
“What’s really the issue is that two people can hire an out of town law firm to strong arm the city and Island Brewing into a settlement that’s going to cost the rights and the city money just to satisfy the needs of two people,” said customer John Everett of Island Brewing.
For now, Island Brewing remains open, music playing, as the courts decide what comes next.
Some Carpinteria residents are supporting Island Brewing through a Go Fund Me to help with legal expenses.
As of today, it’s raised more t$7,000.
The City of Carpinteria confirmed it has also been named in the lawsuit. According to the City’s official statement, the suit alleges that Island Brewing’s outdoor live entertainment is not permitted under its Conditional Use Permit, violates municipal noise standards, and constitutes both a public and private nuisance. The City Council has authorized legal defense against the claims.
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