Noise rules ‘threaten leisure trade’

Date: 31/01/02

By Laurence Frost

BARS, restaurants and nightclubs could be forced to close under new noise rules being considered in the European Parliament, entertainment industry leaders warn.

HOTREC, which represents cafés, bars and clubs across the EU, described as 'ridiculous' proposals unveiled recently in Parliament's social affairs committee.

The report, tabled by Helle Thorning-Schmidt, would make it compulsory for workers to wear earplugs if noise levels rise above 83 decibels - as often happens in bars.

'How can a waiter take orders with hearing protectors on?' said Marguerite Sequaris, secretary-general of HOTREC. 'The customer would have to shout - and noise will rise even further.'

There are 'no scientific data' to support the claim that exposure to noise at this level damages hearing, Sequaris said. Discos and bars would have to 'not play any music or close,' she added.

Thorning-Schmidt's report seeks to amend a proposed directive on workers' noise exposure.

The Danish Socialist said the scientific evidence was 'absolutely clear' in showing that permanent hearing damage could result from noise levels as low as 75 decibels.

However, Thorning-Schmidt said she will increase the threshold for ear protection to 85 decibels in response to business concerns, as well as allowing noise levels to be measured on a weekly rather than daily basis - as bars and clubs are noisier at weekends.

But in a move that will be resisted by the industry, the MEP said she would seek to balance her concessions with an obligation to provide hearing tests when levels rise above 80 decibels - less than the 85-decibel threshold proposed by the European Commission.

Bars, restaurants and nightclubs could be forced to close under new noise rules being considered in the European Parliament, according to HOTREC, which represents hotels, restaurants and cafés across the EU.

http://www.hotrec.org http://www.hotrec.org

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