Call Hamilton "Music City," please. But if it's amplified music, don't play it on a patio, even if it's in an entertainment district. And even if it's no louder than a conversation.

We're not saying Lionel Richie 'All Night Long' here. - Coun. Jason Farr

That was the message from city councillors Tuesday when they debated a two-year pilot project that would allow some bars and restaurants to do just that.

The trial would allow bars and restaurants in seven areas of Hamilton to play music up to 60 decibels on a trial basis. Ordinary noise rules would apply, such as the music stopping by 11 p.m.

Jason Farr, Ward 2 councillor, sees such music as an exciting part of urban life. For a city trying to rebrand itself as Canada's music city, he said, councillors are awfully timid.

"Welcome to Music City, minus the music," Farr said at city council's planning committee meeting Tuesday. He wanted to approve the trial project that day, but councillors voted to table it so they could talk to staff. They're also pondering a larger public meeting.

The pilot would allow amplified music in the downtown, James Street North, Augusta Street, Hess Village, west harbour, downtown Dundas and Upper James Street (Stone Church to Rymal Road) areas.

We need to step into the new millennium and act like some of the bigger cities act. - Jason Farr

Music wouldn't be blaring, Farr said, or go all night. "We're not saying Lionel Richie All Night Long here."

But "we need to step into the new millennium and act like some of the bigger cities act," he said. He calls the current system "antiquated."

Right now, that system involves a bar, restaurant or other establishment approaching the committee of adjustment. That committee decides whether to grant the ability to have amplified outdoor music. Currently, two places in Hamilton have permission to do that.

Coun. Chad Collins of Ward 5 likes that system. Residents are notified better, unlike Tuesday's planning meeting, when only two people showed up to speak.

Committee of adjustment meetings on the subject have been "standing room only," Collins said.

"No one's disputing the fact that we shouldn't have some restaurants and patios with amplified music. The question here, and what's at issue, is public participation."

'You need to be more realistic'

Sandra Kovacs, who lives near Hess Village, was one of the two attendees. Like the other speaker, she feared the impact it would have on her quality of life.

"I think you're being too idealistic," she told Farr. "You need to be more realistic."

Meanwhile, waterfront restaurant Sarcoa is suing the city and Hamilton Waterfront Trust for $15 million over amplified music.

Neighbours, including Burlington residents across the water, complained about the volume in 2015. "I can almost sing to the tunes they're playing," said Rick Craven, a Burlington councillor, at the time.

Hamilton bylaw officers cracked down. Sarcoa argues the business depends on outdoor music.

samantha.craggs@cbc.ca | @SamCraggsCBC