Loud music creating noise pollution (1)

I presume that the construction and civil works (including the stainless steel/aluminium globe) carried out at the premises of the Liquid (open air) disco at Tal-Balal, limits of Birkirkara, L'Iklin and San Ġwann have the necessary permits from Mepa.

In this regard, I would expect that as a minimum, Mepa would have insisted that the operators would, at the same time, introduce "modern" equipment to ensure that noise levels will be retained at a minimum, so that those living in the vicinity would not have to bear the so-called "music" into the early hours of the morning (i.e. up to 4 a.m.) as licensed by the authorities concerned.

Liquid (previously Vibes) somehow obtained a permit to operate an open air disco in the early afternoon/evening hours of the day.

This was eventually extended to 11 p.m., later to 2 a.m. and eventually to 4 a.m. (All of this without the consent of those living in the vicinity as I understand is normally required by legislation). I may vouch for this as I happen to live next door and have done so for the last 25 years and I have never been approached by anyone for this purpose.

Over the years the police have taken the necessary action in court against the operators, but every time the case was lost (due to the permits in existence) or at most the operators were fined €23 for "disturbing the peace".

I appreciate that Tal-Balal is not a pristine location such as Mistra, Baħrija, Ta' Ċenċ and other locations in Malta and Gozo.

However, this notwithstanding, human beings still live in the area including elderly citizens and young children all of whom require a good night's sleep, and yet have to bear this noise pollution throughout most of the evening and night. It is about time that the authorities that be take stock of the situation and rectify this great injustice for the benefit of those living in the Tal-Balal area which comprises Birkirkara, San Ġwann, L'Iklin, Xwieki and parts of L'Ibraġġ.

As a law-abiding citizen, I can only hope that appropriate action is taken by those responsible.