Shopkeepers protest possible neon legislation ANNAPOLIS/SOUTH COUNTY Davidsonville Edgewood Shady Side Deale

Annapolis merchants and elected officials are debating whether the bright neon lights in some downtown shops are detracting from the city's historic charm.

Last summer, the city notified 12 of those shops that their neon lights violate the zoning code. But few stores have taken down the lights in their windows advertising beer, burgers, frozen yogurt and sunglasses.

Now the City Council is considering legislation to limit or ban the neon signs.

At a public hearing last Monday night, shop owners objected to any restrictions on the signs, saying they need them to attract customers who might otherwise head to a mall and strip #F shopping centers on the city's outskirts.