Government Amends Noise Abatement Act to Extend Party Hours for the Festive Season

After a series of consultations, the Government has made Amendments to the Noise Abatement Act.

The Bill entitled the Noise Abatement (Temporary Amendment Act) 2019 was presented and approved by Members of Parliament last night (December 10).

The Amendments offer relief to those staging entertainment events over the holiday period.

• Event promoters can now host their events until 4 am and can seek permission to extend beyond.
• The temporary Amendments will carry through to January 31, 2020.

Further to the temporary Act, Dr Horace Chang who piloted the bill noted that a balance must be created between the growth of the music and entertainment industries while maintaining public order, safety and the wellbeing of the general public.

“It is imperative, that as our music and entertainment industries expand, we must simultaneously put in place the appropriate regulatory framework to support the development of industry while securing the fundamental rights of all citizens”, said Dr Chang

The Ministry of National Security is spearheading the work of developing the bases for the establishment of sound ordinances which will be used to inform a comprehensive review and amendment of the Noise Abatement Act in the coming year.

The Senate is expected to debate and approve the Amendments when it meets on Friday.