Lagos Bans Live Bands At Restaurants, Imposes N500,000 Fine On Defaulters

To relieve residents in Lagos State of noise pollution which has been identified as a present pressing issue, the Lagos government has banned the use of live bands in restaurants and beer parlours in the state.

A fine of N500,000 is to be imposed on anyone or organisation found violating the ban.

According to released statistics, in 2015 alone, there were over 1527 reported cases of noise pollution in Lagos State, with 57 resulting in medical concerns and the decision by government was premised on this reason and so live bands will, soon, no longer be able to operate at bars, clubs and beer parlours.

The state government also warned religious houses to procure sound proof in order to reduce the effect of noise generated on their neighboring residents.

The General Manager‎, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency, LASEPA, Adebola Shabi, spoke with newsmen recently, saying that the decision on noise pollution came due to increasing rate of petitions by residents who complained of frequent disturbance from the beer parlours, lounges and religious houses.

The government has at different times banned religious houses from mounting external speakers on their structures but the practice has remained in many parts of the state.

As part of an awareness campaign to reduce noise pollution in Lagos, former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola introduced a ‘horn free day’ – a day motorists were urged not to use their horns while driving. The 2015 edition recorded an appreciable level of success but a second edition is yet to hold since then.

Tribune

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