BELFAST City Council is considering new by-laws that would regulate the use of loudspeakers in the city centre.
Following concerns about the behaviour of some preachers, protestors and buskers in recent years, it’s understood the council will introduce a public consultation before the end of the year.
The BBC report that the move is not related to any specific incident, and the proposals will include a permit scheme for using amplification equipment in the city centre, time limits on the use of amplification equipment as well as a £500 fine for anyone breaking the by-laws.
There is no indication so far that there would be a charge for a permit and there would exemptions for council organised activities, processions approved by the Parades Commission and trade union pickets.
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Belfast City Council has said the details will be published this autumn, while officers had engaged with the Department for Communities and other statutory agencies.
In June, councillors also approved the by-laws being put out to consultation.
Debating the issue four weeks ago, the DUP councillor Dean McCullough said: “I urge caution on the side of this council around attempting to do anything that may in any way undermine or infringe upon the human rights of citizens in this city…because there is no doubt that will be open to legal challenge.”
Alliance councillor Sam Nelson called it a complex issue.
“The use of loudspeakers in our city centre is quite often a public nuisance.
“We have complaints from shopkeepers, businesses, people visiting the city, tourists, families.
“Quite often the loud noise…and how long they run for, can be quite disruptive and I think it puts people off coming to our city centre”.
The Department of Communities confirmed that while councils were responsible for drafting their own by-laws, they would ultimately need approval from the department.
