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THIS IS GENUINE!! The government want to stop us from hurting our ears now!! From the new tax year anyone applying or re-applying for an entertainment license must have a noise control device fitted to the venue.
This will be the final nail in the coffin for pretty much ALL entertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices cut the power off is ridiculously low. I have played in venues with these stupid sound limiters and, as Chinnery's say, an average un-amplified snare drum exceeds the cut-off. They can also be triggered by crowd noises which, even at much larger venues, often peak at a higher decibel levels than the band itself. When they cut in, the entire power system shuts down and the band has to wait 60 seconds until power is restored.
This legislation is basically stopping ALL bands from being able to play live, and ruining ALL forms of live music including clubs and discos. It's not a case of turning the music down a bit. It is simply not possible for any band to play against these sound limiters. And despite what Aunty Maude might say, discos played at low volume are simply DULL!
Venues are suffering enough as it is without being forced to go to the expense of fitting one of these damned things. Whenever we play gigs at venues that have sound limiters we always disable them, otherwise it simply wouldn't be possible to play. But this law would enforce their use. It WILL kill the live music scene if they push it through.
Noise limiters are a menace to live music...
I must reiterate - this is not a noise abatement law to protect residential areas (which is already covered by law) but it is YET ANOTHER NANNY STATE RULING! The government is trying to stop us from ruining our hearing. If I want to listen to loud music and risk my hearing, then that's my choice. It does not affect anyone else!
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/
URGENT! The deadline to register your vote is THIS FRIDAY (23rd). PLEASE sign this and pass it on to anyone who cares about music.
As so eloquently put by The Hamsters, "Noise limiters are a menace to live music, and we expect this is the bright idea of some unelected suit in Brussels that's never been to a live gig in their life."
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If you want to damage your ears that is fine, but don't then expect the NHS to pay for your treatment or hearing aids.
We could not avoid tipping the NL even when closely monitering the 'traffic light' warning visual. It had to be by-passed for the benefit of all rather than disappoint everyone!
I had my own vested interest in not being overly loud and complying with everyone's preferences. The devices were not responsive to the correct frequences if the point was to limit sound pollution for neighbours. Bass traels but it was the guitar & vocals that cauesd the cut off. I see the government denial of this law being introduced and their usual mantra about being sympathetic. Too late, the UK gigging scene (especially London) has already withered & died thanks to their and council's revenue seeking meddling. I am pleasedto be out of it as you need a van and to arrive at the gig by 7pm. Owning a van, & trying to get anywhere at that time in London - don't start me on those issues.
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Anyway, what is the point of going to a pub with a live band if you want to hold a conversation? If you want to talk go to a pub without a band playing!!
Actually, the music scene will NOT suffer from being turned down..... EVERYTHING IS SHOUTING THESE DAYS.....COMPRESSED MUSIC SQUEEZED OUT OF MP3 PLAYERS INTO THE EARS OF KIDS WITHOUT A CLUE WHAT THEY'RE DOING>...
sorry about that....
but it's true...
Few people are aware how much joy there is in letting your ears adjust to a comfortable level while being able to actually speak to someone too....
I'm a music degree student, I listen to music ALL the time...
I'd like to keep it that way thanks...
so next time you and your band are playing in some pub and you get cut off for being too loud....
I'll be the one smirking in the corner without the hearing aid mate ;-)
Regards....
If you want to listen to loud music and risk your hearing then you are quite right it is your choice but you are wrong when you say it affects no one else. Of course it does.
What about your family and/or friends or simply a stranger that is trying to say something to you when your hearing has been killed by so called music of your choice is it fair on them that they have to shout and repeat themselves all the time so you hear them properly?
Who is going to pay for the hearing aid when you have gone deaf, will it be the NHS? If so then that is more people affected.
But as you say it is your choice.
We are pleased to tell you that there is no truth in claims that the Government is planning to introduce a requirement for entertainment venues to fit noise control devices.
Each Local Authority Licensing Authority considers every live music application on its merits, and decisions are made entirely by them. However, the Licensing Act 2003 does not allow mandatory conditions for live music to be imposed across the board. It would not be possible to impose such a condition without a change in the law and such a change is not, and never has been, on the Government’s agenda.
There is also no legal requirement under health and safety legislation for entertainment venues to have noise control devices fitted, nor is there any proposal.
The Government is acutely aware of the contribution that music makes to our culture and we remain committed to a vibrant and flourishing creative sector, of which live music plays an essential part.
I blame stupid people.
daz