Another contentious Margate Commission meeting on April 16 regarding noise and safety complaints against Dana (Hartman) and Brian Hiltner, owners of the Sunrise Tequila Bar.
Hartman/Hiltner are local real estate agents.
Margate residents argue that the roof-top party deck functions as an outdoor venue. It has an open-window design which leads to excessive noise that lasts until the early morning.
Margate nuisance bar and roof-top party deck . Allegedly non-compliant with the original approved site plan.
Margate City received letter (See Below) from Sunrise Tequila neighbors back in DEC. 2025. Commissioner Blumberg asking why Margate has yet to respond.
I don’t care if they (Sunrise Tequila) spends a million dollars on windows, the sound’s coming from the ceiling. What are you guys going to do about it?
A frustrated Margate Police Chief Matt Hankinson wants clarification. Is this indoor or outdoor space?
Public Comment: Sunrise Tequila upstairs deck not considered indoor space per building code. To legally qualify as indoor space per building code, it would need a roof, HVAC, and be enclosed with walls or windows. The neighbors affected should inform code enforcement department to not issue building permit for HVAC without owner of bar going back to Planning Board. This is outdoor space per the code and should comply with 10P sound ordinance.
Beyond noise pollution, neighbors highlighted fire hazards caused by trash blocking emergency exits and questioned integrity of the original Margate Planning Board approval process.
Margate Mayor Michael Collins expressed uncertainty over whether the bar’s verbal promises were legally binding zoning conditions or merely unenforceable statements.
Back in APRIL 2024, these Margate Planning Board members voted YES: Tom Collins, Craig Palmisano, Rich Patterson, Mike Cristaldi, Jim Galantino, Ruffu, and Mike Richmond.
Only one member opposed. Steve Jasiecki.
The discussion concludes with a request from Commissioner Maury Blumberg to review past hearing testimony to determine if Margate City can impose a 10p music curfew or revoke the Sunrise Tequila business license for non-compliance.
Sunrise Tequila Margate Planning Zoning 2024
It is an outdoor deck / bar so IT MUST COMPLY with 10PM noise ordinance. The owner’s arrogance is very telling since they refuse to comply with 10PM noise ordinance.
I am unimpressed that the (local) realtors who own this property are more concerned with the profits this outdoor bar generates than the value of their neighbors expectations of peace and quiet after 10 pm and abiding by the LAW. What is the purpose of making these Codes/Laws if not to serve the entire community?
Isn’t Hiltner best buddies with Mayor Collins and the Horns?
This is a Baglivo problem all over again. Solicitor Abbott seems to protect the insiders again. He really needs to be replaced.
Until real change in leadership occurs, Margate will continue to support insiders.
Wait for new Master Plan for next set of problems.
you nailed that! That is exactly what went down. Entitlement!
Seems like Maury Blumberg is the only ethical person in the Margate government. What is up with the owners of this bar? They think they’re “entitled” to do anything they want?
The owners do not comply with Margate City ordinance law. Shut that place down already!
Mayor Collins and Solicitor Abbott’s responses are weak and do not answer the questions asked of them.
The town residents (you/we/us) should all be embarrassed on how they handle meetings and respond to residents.
At minute 7:20 of the video, resident explains the same thing on the record. This ‘board’ does not actually know how to run a valid town meeting or town zoning board.
Collins is just not knowledgeable to manage this. Abbott is past his prime, weak, does not do his legal job description. Very disappointing and Unacceptable.
Until this is resolved no more music upstairs after 10pm. The bar owners should offer to do this anyway until this is resolved.
The referenced letter sent by the resident should be shared with the public. Commissioner Maury Blumberg is logical in his next steps… follow them
The arrogance of the [Sunrise Tequila] owners is astonishing especially in light of them being local realtors. Why not do the right thing?
Someone complained in the 80s on Jefferson Ave. about my “spectrum” behavior being loud 40 years ago.
And…. How are the two possibly equivalent?
Prediction:Nothing will happen until Jake Perskie is replaced by the neighbors.
Goldstein is the common link to Baglivo for zoning approval and got off without a blemish.
You nitwits just dont get it! You live in an area which has now been determined to be party central.
What you want DOESN’T MATTER ONE F….
It’s a shame the Hartman family are bad bad neighbors, but money talks and the Tequilla Bar was approved, obviously because of the power the Hartmans possess in Margate.
Despite being a bad neighbor, the Tequilla Bar needs to change to become an accepted neighbor. If it were sound-proofed, that would help. If it were a nice restaurant/bar like Steve and Cookies, The Crab Trap, or Johnnie’s, that would REALLY help. Those are extremely successful and wonderful places for residents and visitors.
The Tequilla Bar is a pretty building, but until the high noise levels are addressed and that awful dumpster are corrected, this business is DOA for the nearby residents who are suffering.
If I remember correctly, one of America’s greatest documents states that all of our citizens are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The citizens of Margate are not happy with the Tequilla Bar as it is at this time. It is infringing on our rights.