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Beirut Governor Gives Mar Mikhael Rooftops 15 Days To Turn Off Their Speakers
The Governor of Beirut Judge Marwan Abboud has issued another decision regarding noise pollution in Mar Mikhael, this time asking all “rooftop” operators in the area to stop playing music if they do not have a Ministry of Tourism-issued license.
Previously, the governor and municipality had attempted to deal with the area’s noise complaints by banning valet services and lowering music volumes on the busy street. However, the governor begins his newest letter by stating that local operators, particularly those of the rooftop variety, have failed to abide by his previous decision. The governor elaborated that venues that have failed to obtain the necessary licenses to play music, would need to cease all musical and artistic activity and remove all speakers and musical equipment within 15 days.
This decision comes amidst a long struggle between local residents and the area’s many pub owners over the level of noise in the area. Residents complain of constant noise pollution coming from the street’s busy nightlife, and have long lobbied for a crackdown on their operations. While pub owners claim that they have done their best to abide by the requirements of operating in a residential neighborhood, but that they need to be able to continue to attract customers.
It seems the struggle is set to continue, with Governor Abboud ordering the Internal Security Forces to be stringent in their implementation of his decision, with violators risking fines, the seizure of their equipment, and total shutdown.
Previously, the governor and municipality had attempted to deal with the area’s noise complaints by banning valet services and lowering music volumes on the busy street. However, the governor begins his newest letter by stating that local operators, particularly those of the rooftop variety, have failed to abide by his previous decision. The governor elaborated that venues that have failed to obtain the necessary licenses to play music, would need to cease all musical and artistic activity and remove all speakers and musical equipment within 15 days.
— Annahar (@Annahar) January 21, 2023
This decision comes amidst a long struggle between local residents and the area’s many pub owners over the level of noise in the area. Residents complain of constant noise pollution coming from the street’s busy nightlife, and have long lobbied for a crackdown on their operations. While pub owners claim that they have done their best to abide by the requirements of operating in a residential neighborhood, but that they need to be able to continue to attract customers.
It seems the struggle is set to continue, with Governor Abboud ordering the Internal Security Forces to be stringent in their implementation of his decision, with violators risking fines, the seizure of their equipment, and total shutdown.
