The objective of The Society shall be to represent, safeguard and promote the legitimate interests of society or individuals, so as to protect and improve their quality of life, by being enabled to live in a peaceful environment free from noise pollution.
Police cannot close down establishment without court order
Regulations for the control of loud music:
Subsidiary Legislation 441.08 - Business Hours Regulations
6 (5) In the event of failure to comply with the provisions of the proviso to sub-regulation (4), ………………the Commissioner of Police, shall have the power to issue an order in writing for the immediate closure of the premises and the cessation of any commercial activity from the said premises for a period of not more than fifteen days. Subject to the concurrence of the Minister responsible for Commerce, the said commercial premises may be closed for a subsequent period not exceeding thirty days independently of any other punishment to which the offender may become or may have become liable according to law.
Court ruling
The following reasons were given for its decision: The court noted that The Villa had two trade licences. It said that an injunction should not be issued to prevent the police from carrying out their duties, even if such act was of inconvenience or of prejudice, provided the police acted according to the law. The Malta Tourism Authority, however, was the competent authority to control/monitor the terms of licence of The Villa and not the police. The police had no authority to cancel or suspend their licence. Its licence could be cancelled or suspended only in certain cases mentioned in the law and after review by the court.
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Prohibitory-injunction.373793
Dr M. DeMarco, Environment Minister during the previous administration; published a set of regulations in 2012; ‘Neighbourhood Prevention & Control’. These regulations have not been enforced!
Proposed legislation:
Tourism
Tourism increased by more than 500,000 in 3 years from 2.2M to 2.7 M in 2019
More than 52,000 flights were registered at the MIA in 2019. An increase of 9000 flights on 2017.
Tourism in Malta is one of the main industries. Nevertheless, in several localities Overtourism, is increasing the population by an average of 63% ..
Malta is one of the noisiest countries in the EU:
EEA Report – Quiet areas in Europe.
Noise level exceed 55dB(A) in 70 % of Malta's footprint.
The Ambient noise sources include: Traffic, Construction, ship-repair yards, Freeport, Boat Parties, Vehicle servicing workshops, band clubs, wedding halls, street vendors, street parties, and the noisy neighbours Tourism, read on...............
Main Noise Sources
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Construction - Residential, Commercial & infrastructure. 6 days a week from 7am: 5pm
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Building permits increased by an average of 3000 per year, beginning 2015…
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Road transport 06:00 – 21:00
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Registered vehicle increased by 9000 vehicles per year, beginning 2010…
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Hospitality and leisure activity (indoors & Outdoors) : 18:00 – 03:00
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Tourist influx in 2019 - 2.75M, an increase of 1.4M on 2015…
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Aircraft movement exceeded 50,000 per year in 2019
Other Noise Sources:
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Commercial- Services & products
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Industry- Manufacturing, processing & production
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Civil activities- Local Councils, street celebrations (including parties) & national celebrations
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Neighbour noise- Shouting, loud music, loud activities during rest periods
Selection of Noise surveys carried by NASoM
Mount St Joseph – Shooting ranges
Our team appealing against the location of a national shooting range next door to mount St Joseph Retreat House is conducting thorough research into the technicalities of shooting ranges, noise abatement measures and international regulations and recommendations. Research contacted by NASoM
- - The NGO was invited by the School administration to participate in the LEAF project. Our contribution was to assess the noise levels in the School sensitive areas, before and after deforestation - download the noise survey. ...
Open-Air Theatre -To study if the noise from loud music played at the in Valletta Open-Air Theatre is affecting the NSR and if a complaint is justified....
Loud Music played by Catering Establishments- To study if the noise from loud music played by Catering Establishments is affecting the Sensitive Receptors and whether a complaint is justified.
Selection of Noise pollution articles:
Noise pollution complaints:
Pending
Valletta open-air Theatre installation of the sound surround system pending since....2014
Resolved
Zejtun Song Festival relocated to non- residential area
Fgura Tal Kalkara mini industrial area
Hamrun Malta Dairy Products
Bugibba -Type of Licence
San Gwann Avifilm - Court ruled in favour of receptor
Shooting ranges @ MSJ
Loud Music from Leisure establishments in St George's Bay
Noise nuisance from the Strait St. Bars
HPS Scrap yard noise nuisance - Zabbar
Salisbury Bar noise nuisance - Sliema
Xemxija The Fortress restaurant loud music
Noise from Waste Collector -Amery St. Sliema
Noise nuisance from Mosta Band Club
Noise Nuisance from Sliema Band Club bar
Noise nuisance from St Julian's Restaurant
Noise from Naxxar Supermarket