Revelers Hall faces challenges as Dallas enforces a code prohibiting cover fees for music, impacting their ability to pay musicians.
DALLAS — Since he was 13, Jason Roberts has been a musician. As he played at the piano, each note stood on its own, but together, they blended the sound that is the heart of Revelers Hall.
“New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I first went there when I was in the 7th grade, and I was like, what is this magical place,” said Roberts, Revelers Hall Co-Owner.
He brought that feel to Bishop Arts for visitors such as Zach Kowalczyk.
“I think just hearing the live music coming from the doors, they’re always open, and just people out here, it’s always a vibe,” said Kowalczyk.
However, that vibe may be changing.
Last week, Revelers got a notice from the City of Dallas stating that they violated the city’s code for loud and disturbing noises. Roberts said they received another notice saying that since they have a Certificate of Occupancy for restaurant use, they can’t charge a cover fee for music.
“We struggle like any place, but that was a way we could actually pay these musicians and these artists a livable wage,” said Roberts.
In Deep Ellum, owners of The Free Man posted to Facebook that they, too, had to stop their cover fee.
The city told WFAA their Code Compliance Services’ Nighttime Enforcement Team issued the violations stating, “Under Dallas City Code Section 51A-4.210(7)(A)(v), any fee that is advertised or represented as being connected to amusement or entertainment, such as live music, reclassifies the business use from a restaurant to a Commercial Amusement (Inside) use.”
“Also, the code has come out and said we want you to keep your doors closed because of, you know, potential noise ordinance violations,” said Roberts.
The city said the Nighttime Enforcement Team helps maintain public safety and neighborhood livability. “For us, it felt like not supportive and more punitive,” said Roberts.
He said they tried changing to a service fee, but that cut down on staff tips. They’ve also increased food and drink prices.
“Our worry is though, since we’ve had to take this away, we just we can’t afford to continue paying the bands at the level that we have been,” said Roberts.
“I think it would honestly change the way Bishop Arts is to a lot of people,” said Kowalczyk.
In a statement, Dallas City Councilman Chad West said, “The City Code does not currently allow restaurants to charge a music fee. However, we all know how much Revelers adds to our local culture. I’m pursuing an update to modernize our code and looking for interim ways to help Revelers continue to thrive. We will provide updates in our newsletter if residents are interested in supporting this effort.”