Aftermath Lagos ban on live bands in bars

Following the news which broke recently that the Lagos State government has banned live band music at beer parlours, restaurants and food joints in the state in a renewed war against noise pollution in the state, Lagosians seem not to be taking it with calmness.

The General Manager, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency, LASEPA, Adebola Shabi, spoke with newsmen recently, saying that the decision on noise pollution came due to increasing rate of petitions by residents who complained of frequent disturbance from the beer parlours, lounges and religious houses. A fine of N500,000 is also to be imposed on defaulters.

According to released statistics, in 2015 alone, there were over 1527 reported cases of noise pollution in Lagos State, with 57 resulting in medical concerns and the decision by government was premised on this reason and so live bands will, soon, no longer be able to operate at bars, clubs and beer parlours.

Religious bodies are not left out as they have been mandated to procure sound proof finishing, in order to minimise the effect of noise generated on their neighbouring residents through various speakers mounted outside walls of churches and mosques.

Some Lagosians spoke to Friday Treat about the development which broke online few days ago, with many stating their displeasure at the decision.

Mariam Balogun, who resides around Gowon Estate, in her reaction, said that the government has failed to realise the frustrations of the average Lagosian. She said, “I leave for work at about 5 a.m and get home around 11 p.m from Monday to Friday due to traffic concerns. My weekend therefore, is the time I wish to relax and get my groove back. So, I go to Karaoke bars and any happening place to unwind. If they are saying live bands can’t play in open bars, won’t they soon say even DJs can’t play since they all use speakers? Live music is the best form of music in its raw form and many people appreciate it. This decision is an unfavourable one, in my opinion”.

Another respondent, Kunle Shokunbi, said that the order was ill-timed.

“I am not happy that our amiable Governor, who has, over time, promoted entertainment in the state would sign on a law to prohibit live bands from performing at groove spots. Do you know how many entertainers whose source of livelihood will be affected? The musicians, backup singers, dancers, technicians, truck drivers and even boys who load the speakers are few of many who have no other job? And we say burglars and miscreants are on the rise? An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. If they feel the noise is too much, they should advise that such bars lower the speakers intensity. The petitions received I am sure are from upscale neighbourhoods where such bars are not many. But unfortunately, it is we, the masses, who find the open bars and pubs the perfect way to relax, that will bear the brunt of such decisions. Will the government shut down Fela’s Shrine? Will they extend this order to wedding ceremonies, naming, burials etc,?” he queried.

However, some respondents opined that the government was justified in its decision.

Ayo Oyeyemi, an investment analyst, opined that the ban will help Lagosians sleep better. “I am thrilled to learn that the use of outdoor speakers by religious bodies and bars are being prohibited. I am forced to sleep around 1 a.m from Thursdays to Sundays because a pub is located near my house, I have to wake up by 5 a.m because the mosque on my street also has ‘Ahuja’ speakers positioned at strategic positions on its rooftops. On Sunday mornings, the churches on the street take over and even if I decide not to go to my own church, right there on my bed, I get full doses of sermons from at least three different churches around the area, depending on the capacities and range of their speakers”, he said.

The LASEPA boss had also decried the rate at which residential areas were being converted to commercial areas without government’s approval, blaming the residents for not informing the government about the development.