Police crack down on noise nuisance

Police has warned that loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment used in a manner that causes public disturbance could be taken into police custody if users disregard Supreme Court directives and police instructions.

In a special notice, police said legal action could also be taken against those responsible under Section 261 of the Penal Code for causing a public nuisance.

Police said excessive noise had increasingly become a health and psychological concern, particularly for infants, schoolchildren, elderly people and patients.

The notice referred to Supreme Court Order No. 38/2005, under which police have the authority to take action when the use of sound equipment causes inconvenience or disturbance to the public or nearby residents.

Police said permission should generally not be granted for the use of loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., although exceptions may be made for religious activities and special occasions, subject to legal requirements.

Where permits are issued, users must strictly adhere to the dates, times and other conditions specified.

Depending on the conditions of the permit, loudspeakers may be allowed until 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 12.30 a.m. on Sundays.

Police stressed that these hours do not constitute an automatic entitlement and that loudspeakers must not be used in a manner that causes disturbance outside the premises, even when permission has been granted.

Police said officers would monitor permitted events to ensure compliance with permit conditions.

Where a complaint is received, police will inspect the location and, if the noise is found to constitute a public nuisance, instruct those responsible to stop the activity.

Failure to comply could result in legal action, including the seizure of the sound equipment, police warned.

Members of the public affected by excessive or unlawful noise have been asked to contact the nearest police station or call the emergency hotlines 118 or 119.