Noise levels are needed at law (1)

Trying to get central government to do something about regulating the continuous noise coming from open-air establishments, particularly late at night or very early in the morning, is proving to be tough. As various readers from Attard have already written, this problem has been going on for years on end. I’m sure residents of other places nearby can confirm this too.

A point I always raised is that there are no laws, regulations or legal notices controlling noise from establishments – or at least they do not define what constitutes a nuisance in measurable terms, i.e. in sound levels. Meetings to tackle the problems of noise from Ta’ Qali in Attard, especially noise during the night from parties, always come to the same conclusion: the laws are weak or non-existent.

Law enforcement officers need clear and enforceable rules which they can then enforce. There can be no interpretation of what constitutes a nuisance if the law sets measurable limits.

Following a discussion at local council level, I did a quick search on the internet to try and find legislation on the matter in other countries. Up came regulations from Victoria in Australia – the

sound levels are set in decibels and depend on the venue and the time of the event.

If the government and Parliament will not act and refuse to give workable and enforceable legislation to the police, then it is safe to say that it is once again favouring particular business interests over residents.