After a wearying week of work, one’s wish for the weekend usually is to have some sense of repose while enjoying some quality time with the family at home.
However, it seems this isn’t the case in some suburbs due to restaurants and bars that are in close proximity to residential complexes.
Residents of Ruimsig have come out to complain about a restaurant, which they allege, leaves them ” … tossing and turning at night because of its loud music”.
In light of this complaint, which falls in the disturbance of peace category, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) provided steps to report such incidents.
JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Wayne Minnaar alluded that it isn’t easy for them to shut down any legal establishment without approval from the court.
“This process is done through the City’s Environmental Health Department,” he said.
“JMPD does not have noise-level measuring machines but Environmental Health does. The legal process is to report the incident of noise to them, who will then come out and measure it. If it exceeds the prescribed level, they will approach the court and get an interdict for JMPD to come out and shut down the premises,” he explained.
Minnaar pleaded with bars and restaurants to be considerate to residents by limiting the noise levels in the respective establishments – before it becomes necessary for any action to be taken.
To report any unbearable noise, contact the City of Joburg Environmental Health Department on 011 375 5555; and suspicious activities outside the premises to JMPD on 011 375 5911 or Honeydew Police Station on 011 801 8400.
