Authorities to crack down on noisy bars, discos in Boracay

MANILA, Philippines - Citing complaints from tourists and guests, authorities in Boracay have started cracking down on popular bars and discos that keep sound systems at full blast after midnight. Online news site The News Today reported Thursday that parties in establishments were toned down starting Wednesday, when the crackdown took effect. "I met with the owners of bars and discos and we agreed that music should be toned down to a maximum of 60 decibels by midnight," said Virtus Gil, group secretary of the Boracay Eminent Person Group. Gil said policemen armed with decibel meters will monitor the sound level of popular bars, discos and other establishments to check the volumes of their sound systems. He said 60 decibels is about as loud as the sound of a "moderately strong hand-clap." Bars and discos found still playing their sound systems at full blast face the confiscation of their sound amplifiers, he said. Gil said some guests had complained they cannot sleep because of the loud music coming from bars and discos located beside resorts and hotels. Partying in these bars and discos usually lasts until dawn especially during weekends, he said. On the other hand, he said he will also propose that bars, discos and establishments playing loud music should be required to install noise reduction systems or soundproofing equipment. The Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office and Land Transportation Office also inspected all vehicles especially motorcycles on the island. Authorities particularly checked if vehicles had permits and working headlights and signal lights, and inspected drivers' licenses. In the coming days, authorities will also conduct emission tests on vehicles, amid reports of increased air and noise pollution on the island. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said tests in three stations on the island showed noise levels beyond the standard value of 50 decibels for residential areas and 60 db for areas along the road during mornings especially between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Because of this, the DENR is leading efforts for the banning or conversion of tricycles with two-stroke engines. Gil said they will also strictly implement the ordinance prohibiting yachts and sailing boats to moor in front of the 4-km white beach, the island's main attraction. The boats will only be allowed to moor near Boat Station 1 on the northern end of the island and Boat Station 3 at the opposite end, to prevent accidents. - GMANews.TV