The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital, Laos, hosted a seminar on 26 October to discuss ways to solve noise pollution across the city.
The participants drafted effective plans to address the city’s loud noise and the enforcement of stricter regulations for nightclubs, pubs, and bars.
Speaking at the seminar, the Director of the information department, Vilayvone Chanthalaty, said that her team has the authorities divided into four units responsible for monitoring and enforcing noise regulations. Each unit will work twice per month and start patrols at 10 pm.
She added that both restaurants and entertainment venues must turn off the audio music no later than 11:30 pm.
According to Vilayvone, persistent violators will be forced to close down their service. If, following the forced closure, they continue to neglect the regulations, their audio equipment will be seized and their owners warned and fined.
The seminar aimed to develop concrete steps to improve the quality of life for the residents of Vientiane. Noise pollution has been an ongoing issue in the Lao capital for several years, with residents often complaining about the disturbing sounds from food and beverage establishments and nightclubs.
Earlier this year, Vientiane Capital Mayor, Atsaphanthong Siphandone, reported that the city had already issued new rules to control noise pollution back in 2020. But a lack of coordination between different government departments has made it challenging to effectively enforce these rules.
