Bob Marley once said of music: “When it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Obviously the reggae legend wasn’t thinking of the eardrums of several Londoners who spoke out at city hall Tuesday against the introduction of amplified music and dancing on all bar/restaurant patios citywide.

“Our street’s really quite until 10 or 11 at night,” said AnnaMaria Valastro, who lives downtown. “Then we have Uber drivers, people laughing and screaming.

“It (patio music) just increases hyper activity.”

So, yes, there was resistance Tuesday. But a quarter-century after London banned amplified music on future patios, council’s planning committee voted to repeal that restriction, letting all patios finally hit ‘play.’

“(This) will lighten things up a little bit around here,” Coun. Maureen Cassidy said.

In 1993, council banned amplified music, but patios in existence before then were exempt from the rule. City staff now argue that’s created “zoning inconsistency” and recommended ending the ban. Politicians voted unanimously to endorse that change.

It comes as London promotes a broader effort to enliven its cultural scene as a so-called music city.

Tuesday’s vote came 24 hours after council’s community and protective services committee endorsed a flexible framework for amplified patio music – for example, the music can be no louder than 70 decibels and can’t play any later than midnight.

Both those matters go to council for final approval next week.

Valastro pledged to appeal the Tuesday night zoning change to the Ontario Municipal Board. She also plans a legal challenge against the framework endorsed by politicians Monday.

While city officials received 27 letters and emails of objection, there was also clear support – including 18 letters encouraging the change.

Jim McCormick, a lifelong Londoner and member of the local music community, urged the politicians to take the wraps off all patios, despite resistance.

“I don’t think the music community is going to trample over (neighbours). There is a fair balance to be had here,” he said. “This is an opportunity to make a statement and make London a music city.”

pmaloney@postmedia.com

twitter.com/patatLFPress