Opinion: Montgomery County Regulations Stifle Nightlife

The county hasn’t acted on the recommendations of its own Nighttime Economy Task Force, which suggested ways to improve the business climate for restaurants and nightclubs to draw younger residents to the region.

2 minute read

July 18, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Night view of vintage theater with neon marquee in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club in Bethesda, Maryland. | MJ Kerr / Adobe Stock

In a piece for Greater Greater Washington, Weston Henry describes how Montgomery County’s business regulations are stifling the development of nightlife in the county.

According to Henry, the Nighttime Economy Task Force, formed in 2013, published a series of recommendations to revitalize the county and bring more residents and businesses to the area. “And yet, here we are eleven years later, with no dance clubs, few late-night spots, and little evidence to suggest that the perception of the county as a social desert for singles has changed.”

Henry blames this on the Board of License Commissioners, which “is solely responsible for creating the county’s alcohol rules and regulations, and have created a series of regulations seemingly designed with the sole intention of preventing any venue catering to young, single, or recently transplanted people to open in the county.” Henry notes that restrictions on restaurants and bars such as requiring that 40 percent of income be earned through food sales, prohibiting dancing in venues without a special license, and requiring a full menu of food are preventing businesses from operating successfully. While the task force recommended a new social venue license, it was never created.

While some local officials say the younger work force will move back to the county after they have kids, this belief, Henry writes, “is a terrible economic strategy. It contributes to our massive labor shortage, which forces employers to eliminate positions, as the county itself did last year, or move to where they can find people to fill these positions.”

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog