Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on Actions That Can Be Taken Against Night Business Operators Who Persistently Cause Noise Disamenity

Question:

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs what actions can be taken against night business operators that persistently cause noise disamenity which badly affects residents in a neighbourhood.

Answer:

Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development:

1.   Sir, nightlife establishments are required to obtain the necessary land use approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and are regulated by the Police under the Public Entertainments Act.

2.   They must comply with conditions stipulated in their Public Entertainment licence, or PE licence for short. These include noise control requirements, for example, ensuring that any amplified sounds emanating from the premises do not exceed 55 A-weighted decibels when measured at the nearest residential dwelling after 10.30pm.

3.   The Police conduct regular checks on nightlife establishments to ensure that they comply with the licensing conditions. The frequency of checks takes into account complaints received from the public. Regulatory action will be taken against operators who do not comply with the licensing conditions. This includes suspending or revoking the operator’s PE licence.