The sound level in places where music is played is lowered by decree. It also imposes preventive measures.
Nightclubs and festivals will have to tone down. A text published this Wednesday at Official newspaper tightens legislation on noise exposure in places where music is played, in order to “protect the hearing of the public”. The average sound level, measured over 15 minutes, can no longer exceed 102 decibels – the maximum level was set since 1998 at 105 decibels. When the target audience is made up of children up to six years old, the limit is set at 94 decibels, we can read.
Data to be kept
The rule applies to clubs, concert halls, but also the outdoor stages of festivals and other places which broadcast amplified music “as usual” and whose capacity is greater than 300 people.
Managers and organizers are required to display sound levels in the room or space, so that they can be verified. They must record these levels and keep them for possible checks.
Hearing rest areas, protections …
The decree also includes preventive measures. The places concerned will have to “inform the public about hearing risks”, “make hearing protection available to the public free of charge” such as earplugs and “create auditory rest areas or, failing that, arrange periods of hearing. hearing rest ”during which the sound level will not exceed 80 decibels. It is estimated that prolonged listening to 85 decibels can affect the ear.
The penalties incurred in the event of an infringement remain a fine of 1,500 euros (3,000 in the event of a repeat offense) and the confiscation of sound equipment.
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