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Violinist Sues Ocean City Over Noise Ordinance

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- A violinist is suing Ocean City, saying police hassled him over his music while enforcing a restrictive noise ordinance.

The American Civil Liberties Union has sued on behalf of William F. Hassay Jr., who says he stopped playing on the Boardwalk last year for fear of being arrested and had to perform "in less lucrative settings."

Hassay is trying to recover any money he says he lost.

He tells the Daily Times of Salisbury that though he'd like to return to the Boardwalk, he won't allow his First Amendment rights to be compromised.

Ocean City law bars the playing of musical instruments on the Boardwalk if they're audible at a distance of 30 feet.

Ocean City's attorney, Guy Ayres, says noise on the Boardwalk must be controlled.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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