Controversy over Basel noise protection regulations
Kulturstadt Jetzt, a "non-partisan committee for the promotion of culture and the revitalization of the city" sees the musical event culture of the city of Basel at risk due to new noise regulations. The city's Office for Environment and Energy (AUE) does not understand the uproar.
Organizers and musicians throughout Switzerland have become aware of Basel's new bass regime. Their reactions made it clear that with the rules defined by the Office for the Environment and Energy (AUE), Basel no longer has any parties to celebrate, writes City of Culture Nowan association that is supported by the Basel Pop Promotion and the Basel Youth Culture Festival, among others.
The new rules defined by the AUE to restrict bass frequencies would amount to a ban on contemporary electronic music, writes Kulturstadt Jetzt. Events such as Open Air Basel, Beat on the street/Jungle Street Groove, Imagine, JKF and others are under threat. And new club foundations are no longer possible. Artists and fans of a variety of genres are affected: dub, techno, electro rock, hip hop, trip hop and all other styles that thrive on bass.
The AUE is presented in a Media release surprised. The licensing practice regarding noise protection has "essentially" not changed in the canton of Basel-Stadt. The limit values according to the guidelines of the Cercle Bruit, the cantonal noise protection experts, still apply.
Basel is also one of the most liberal cities in Switzerland when it comes to authorizing outdoor music events, the AUE continues. Music concerts up to a volume of 100 dB(A) are even permitted in the city center, with the recommendation that a difference between dB(C) and dB(A) of 14 be maintained. In Zurich, for example, the limit for open-air events in the city center is dB(C) 100, which means that for bass-heavy music with a difference between dB(C) and dB(A) of 14, a maximum volume of 86 dB(A) is permitted.
