Bontoc noisy bars to be fined; owners told to sound-proof

By Christy Mae Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Enough of noisy bars. 
    The Sangguniang Bayan of this capital town passed ordinance 368, S. 2023, entitled “An ordinance regulating establishments engaged in business of karaoke, videoke, sing-along, live music performers or band, music bars, whether or not combined or operated with any other kind of business requiring soundproofing and prescribing time of operation of such activities.”
    Sponsored by SB member Dan Evert Sokoken., the ordinance mandates owners or operators of any business establishments engaged in the operation of any karaoke, videoke, sing-a-long, live music performers or band, music bars, whether or not combined or operated with any other kind of business shall ensure that their respective establishments are adequately soundproofed, and that the loud music or noise will be greatly reduced as not to cause disturbance or irritation to others.
    “Soundproof/ed” or “Soundproofing” refers to a special mode of construction, use of certain materials, or the installation of special gadgets or instruments within the premises to reduce the sound or noise within the business establishment.
    The ordinance ordered all business establishments operating within Bontoc to comply and secure a certification issued by Municipal Engineering Office after checking the adequacy of the sound proofing.
    Business establishments concerned shall comply within 30 days from notice and failure to comply shall be ground for revocation of business permit or closure.
    Also, conduct of the said activities shall only be allowed from 4 to 9 p.m.
    Under the ordinance, violators of the said ordinance shall pay a fine of ₱1,000 for the first offense, ₱2,000 for the second and ₱2,500 for the third and succeeding offenses.