Mitigating Noise and Disturbance

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Efficiency, Sustainability

Mitigating Noise and Disturbance

Measures to contain degradation and disturbance to the public and private peace by operators within the city.

Bergamo City Council

Italy

Local policy

POLICY OBJECTIVE

Contain degradation and disturbance to the public and private peace and safeguard public health, the environment and cultural heritage by fostering cooperation between the municipal administration and operators of public establishments, private clubs licensed to serve food, businesses selling food and allowing people to consume it on site and neighbourhood establishments.

Measures aim to:

Ensure constant conditions for optimal cleanliness and hygiene.
Prevent environmental degradation.
Ensure presence of appropriate waste containers, including ashtrays, and that these are regularly emptied.
Maintain toilets in bars and restaurants fully efficient and ensure that customers can use these at no charge.
Ensure presence of drink holders on ledges, windowsills, etc., outside venues.
Ensure appropriate signage to inform people of rules governing civil coexistence and noise containment and of penalties for disturbing the public peace and violating rules protecting hygiene and artistic, cultural and environmental heritage.

CONTEXT

In 2016 the policy was launched to address nighttime problems and events in the city centre and reconcile citizens and the city’s business activity.

POLICY DESCRIPTION

Regulations expressly prohibit amplifying noise outside public establishments serving food and drinks, private clubs, cooking activities and business activities that allow customers to consume food on the premises.

Between 10.00pm and 6.00am, food and drinks establishments and private clubs shall operate radio, television and image equipment, and amplifying equipment, behind closed doors and windows, except for the time strictly necessary for the passage of patrons. To facilitate supervisory functions, outside venues, operators shall display permits for specific accessory activities.

By closing time, bar and restaurant owners must also clear the area of occupation with dehors or render it unusable to passers-by.

KEY ASPECTS

Ensure the rest of residents
Govern night life
Improve people’s quality of life

RESULTS

The situation is greatly improved, with places affected by nightlife made lively and social without detriment to residents. Shopkeepers’ involvement has undoubtedly been crucial as well. The mayor arranged for police to monitor establishments whose opening hours were reduced following resident complaints, with a view to restoring previous hours provided good behaviour for one year.

Policy's Website

Vera

Pedrana

European Projects Department

europeanprojects@comune.bergamo.it

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