Explainer | Quiet, please! Hong Kong’s mahjong players and musicians may need to keep it down or risk fixed penalty ticket under noise proposal
- What you need to know to prevent yourself from running afoul of new regulations if passed next year and come into effect in 2025
- Hong Kong environmental authorities have begun public consultation on amending Noise Control Ordinance
Hong Kong environmental authorities last week began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Noise Control Ordinance to combat the din from shops and hawkers’ loudspeakers.
But apart from public places, the Environmental Protection Department also proposed increasing penalties for noise from domestic premises, including sounds from musical instruments, animals, birds, games and business operations.
The Post has summed up what you need to know to prevent yourself from running afoul of the new regulations if they are passed next year and come into effect in 2025.
1. How will it affect households who play mahjong, sing karaoke or play musical instruments?
Currently, households convicted of causing noise annoyance after 11pm and before 7am on weekdays or any time on a general holiday could face a fine of HK$10,000 (US$1,279).
The penalty applies to noises from domestic premises involving musical instruments, animals, birds, games or any business operations and neighbourhood noise, including loudspeakers, trades or businesses and air conditioners.
Authorities have proposed introducing a fixed penalty ticket that law enforcement agencies can issue on the spot instead of having to gather evidence and bring the case to court.
Offenders may also face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 upon conviction or for repeat violations.
