Changes coming for Noise Abatement Act?

Minister with responsibility for culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has sounded that changes may be coming for the Noise Abatement Act.

The act, which has been a thorn in the side of musicians and event promoters since the police began enforcing its stipulations three years ago. Currently, under the act, events are required to end by midnight on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and 2:00 am on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

Speaking at the launch of Tessanne Chin's debut album in Kingston last Thursday, Minister Grange announced that following discussions with prime Minister Golding, a position paper is being prepared based on consultations with stakeholders.

She says once this is complete, the paper will be submitted to cabinet, then hopefully it will taken to parliament for discussions, debate and amendments.

Though not divulging the details of the position paper, the culture minister did intimate that the current legislation is outdated, as it gives the police the authority to close down an event at a specific time, something which the minister says is affecting the local industry.

She says an amended Noise Abatement Act would be based on geographic zoning, as there are venues and events which do not prove to be a nuisance.

Source: Jamaica Observer