GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Section Economic Control Inspection Service of the Ministry Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), has carried out a number of controls of business establishments such as bars in various neighborhoods regarding the level of music.
Businesses have been advised that they must comply with the regulations and laws as stipulated in their licenses and permits.
Those who do not comply, the department will be forced to issue fines and warnings with the final measure being the revoking of licenses and permits by the Minster of TEATT.
The law allows for businesses to have music up to a maximum decibel level. A decibel is a unit of measurement that indicates how loud a sound is.
Humans can hear sounds between 0 and 140 decibels. Zero decibels does not mean that there is no sound, merely that we cannot hear it. Zero decibel is the so-called hearing threshold for the human ear.
One can hear more than 140 decibels, but it is too painful for the ears and if you expose yourself to such a loud noise, you are at extremely high risk of permanent damage to your hearing.
Section Economic Control has received a number of complaints especially in built up areas, and is addressing these with the establishments by suggesting to them how to mitigate the sound issues, and for them to abide by what is stated in their permits.
Section Economic Control will continue to carry out regular controls of establishments with respect to noise nuisance.
Section Economic Control is located at Cannegieter Street #23 downstairs, next to Sister Borgia School in Philipsburg.
Any businesses requiring information can call 542-5641 or 542-4509 during office hours for any queries that you may have. The department may also be contacted via email at:idez.inquiries@sintmaartengov.org
