Silent disco operators told to keep the noise down

IN WHAT would be a UK first, silent discos could be banned by councillors who have received complaints that they are too loud.

Edinburgh City Council says it is reviewing legislation for the popular party events because those taking part in them make too much noise. Silent discos see people dancing and singing to music they listen to on headphones rather than over loud PA systems.

Businesses in the Scottish capital offer walking tours combined with silent discos – popular with hen parties and tourists, but less so with residents.

Jo Mowatt, a Conservative councillor, said: “Silent discos are not silent. There is a lot of whooping and screaming, especially when you have 40 women on a hen party.”

She added that there were also safety concerns as often pedestrians would have to step into the road to get around groups that take up the pavements.

Council leaders will examine a report looking at the increase in complaints involving pavement obstruction and noise nuisance.

Concerns have also been raised about the safety of party-goers, saying there was a “risk to attendees if they walked into traffic or fail to hear approaching vehicles”.

A Street Trading Licence is required for anyone carrying out a service for money in a public place but legislation presently leaves local authorities with limited power to take action against silent disco tours.

Jay Feeney, the marketing director of Silent Adventures, said: “We are the only operators in Edinburgh all year round. During the Fringe there were about four tour operators. I feel this is a bit of a punishment from the aftermath of the Fringe. Some of them looked a bit out of control.”