Siem Reap moves to tackle nighttime ‘noise pollution’
SIEM Reap provincial authorities plan to continue educating and instructing the owners of bars, discos, karaoke parlours, beer gardens, concert venues and the public regarding the need to keep noise levels down and avoid disturbing others.
According to a notice issued by provincial governor Tea Seiha on April 20, in order to ensure the security, safety and wellbeing of the people, as well as the maintenance of public order, new instructions regarding noise levels for businesses were being given in accordance with the laws and regulations already in force.
The provincial departments of environment,tourism,townand district administrations must continue to disseminate subdecree 42 dated July 10, 2000 on the subject of control of air and noise pollution and sub-decree 191 dated May 29, 2018 on the management of tourist locations such as bars and night clubs.
“Ownersormanagerswhorun businessesincludingbars,nightclubs, karaoke parlours, beer gardens and other entertainment centres that serve the tourism sector as well as promoters of concerts and events must follow new guidelines,” said Seiha.
These guidelines include business hours for these establishments set by the provincial administration at 6pm to 12am and karaoke parlours from 10pm to 12 midnight.
The maximum sound levels in decibels must follow the guidelines for each geographical area, such as quiet areas near hospitals, libraries, schools and kindergartens. Residential areas are less restrictive but include areas with hotels, guesthouses, boutiques, administrative facilities, commercial areas, services and complexes.
Poy Ramy, a grade 12 student who is preparing for his diploma exam, expressed his support for the policy. He said some people are disturbing the peace late at night going to these businesses and negatively impacting his studies.
“I hope that local authorities will implement this task effectively, especially in school areas,” he said.
The same notice from the governor states that the departments of tourism and environment, provincial police, gendarmerie, town and district administrations must monitor the situation and take action against owners or managers of the businesses.
“In case those business or events that cause disturbing noise do not follow the above instructions, relevant authorities must temporarily or permanently suspend them,” the letter stated.