Il Giardino di Lilli’s “Vino & Vibes” event drew neighbor complaints on a Friday evening due to music playing.

A popular La Jolla event drew repeated complaints about noise Dec 13, leading to police issuing a citation.

The complaints were reported at Il Giardino di Lilli on Girard Ave, which hosts a “Vino & Vibes” event monthly on a Friday evening from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, during which a DJ plays music while the cafe serves small plates and wine.

Police received “multiple complaints from community members regarding noise,” according to San Diego police officer Abbey Madison; police issued a “First Response” warning per Article 9 of the city of San Diego’s Municipal Code. 

The code states it is unlawful “to make [or] continue … any disturbing, excessive or offensive noise which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.”

The code does not specify times during which noise is allowed or prohibited, but notes the time of noise occurrence “should be considered,” along with factors including level of ambient noise, the proximity of the noise to sleeping facilities and duration.

The warning advises “the owner that their business is in violation of the noise ordinance” and gives them “the opportunity to comply without penalty,” Madison said.

The warning came around 7 pm Dec 13, Lilli owner Giuseppe Scognamiglio said, adding the event is “people getting together for wine, food and music.”

Around 8:40 pm, an additional complaint came in through police dispatch for continuing noise.

“A DJ was still playing at the location despite the First Response warning,” Madison said, adding Lilli lacks an entertainment permit. 

Police issued a citation.

Lilli is “doing everything we can by the law,” Scognamiglio said.

A neighboring resident, whose name is being withheld for concerns their comments will also affect their business, said the noise and amplified music from the monthly event has continued for months, and is a bother to many.

Scognamiglio said Vino & Vibes will continue, “respecting the law as always.”

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