BBPA joins protest over European proposals to limit pub noise
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has written to Danish MEP Helle Thorning-Schmidt to protest at European proposals to limit noise levels in pubs.
Ms Thorning-Schmidt has written a report that recommends tightening acceptable noise limits to 83 decibels - a similar level to that experienced when driving on the motorway.
British MEPs had agreed to lower the current limit of 90 decibels to 85 in order to protect staff but are against the new proposal which could mean barstaff being forced to wear factory-style ear protection.
The BBPA's letter, which was written by director Martin Rawlings, said: "The impact of these amendments on the leisure sector in the UK and other member states would be potentially disastrous, threatening an end to the provision of even background music in pubs.
"It must be borne in mind that noise is also generated by the customers themselves. At the levels suggested, even this more convivial noise would come under the scope of the regulations and it is difficult, if not impossible, to see how the operators could manage this."
Despite its objections to the proposal the BBPA has said it does consider the health of employees to be important but added that "protection must be proportionate to the established risk".
Representatives from the BBPA and the All-party Parliamentary Beer Group have already met with European officials to discuss the proposals.
But although talks have gone well, the trade is concerned more needs to be done to avoid pubs being forced to turn off music permanently.
The trade is urging licensees to write to the MEPs proposing the cut to express their views. Write to: Danish MEP Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British MEP Stephen Hughes at the European Parliament, Wiertz, B1047, Brussels.
Related stories:
Trade hits out at 'straight banana' proposal that could end pub music (17 January 2002)
European noise reduction proposals debated (25 January 2002)
