Police conduct noise nuisance enforcement exercise at Eclipse Sports Bar

In response to multiple complaints from residents regarding noise disturbances, a team of Police ranks from Regional Division #3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) conducted a noise nuisance enforcement exercise early Saturday morning at Eclipse Sports Bar, located in Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The exercise, led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, occurred between 00:01h and 02:23 hrs.
Residents had previously reported the bar as a source of ongoing noise pollution, prompting Police to assess the situation. Upon their arrival, officers noted that the establishment, owned by Surendra Dasai, also known as “Jerry”, did not present significant evidence of excessive noise levels. According to their observations, the bar’s structure is designed to contain sound, with a tightly sealed building and a double-door system that minimises noise escape.
Officers noted that while the music could only be faintly heard from outside when the doors were opened for patrons, other concerns persisted, including the behaviour of patrons after leaving the establishment. Residents reported patrons drinking outside the bar, urinating publicly, and gathering at nearby food outlets, which sometimes led to conflicts and altercations.
To address these issues, the Police have committed to regular patrols in the area to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. Authorities also aim to ensure that patrons leaving the establishment behave responsibly and do not engage in disruptive activities that could affect the surrounding neighbourhood.
In Guyana, the law on noise nuisance concerning individuals is contained in Sub-section 1 of Section 174A of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, as amended by Act No. 1 of 1989: “No person shall, in any road, street, public place or land, or in building or premises, by operating or causing or suffering to be operated any stereo set, jukebox, radio, wireless loudspeaker, gramophone, amplifier, automatic piano or similar instrument of music, or by any other means whatsoever, make, or cause or suffer to be made any noise which shall be so loud and so continuous or repetitive as to cause a nuisance to occupants of any premises in the neighbourhood.”
Over the years, there have been many complaints by citizens from all across the country about noise nuisance. It is clear that the law has not served as a deterrent; and there have been calls, all the way up to a committee in the last Parliament, for amendments to encompass the present circumstances.
In fact, back in 2022, the Guyana Police Force signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle noise nuisance. Owing to the collaboration with the EPA, the Police Force has implemented heftier fines for noise nuisance.
“The fine for the first conviction is very small – $7500 to $10,000 and to $15,000. For the second offence, $10,000 to $20,000. Under the EPA Act, it is much heftier. It starts at $80,000 to $750,000,” the new fine structure stated.