Moderates want relaxed noise rules
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

Moderates want relaxed noise rules to protect nightlife and culture

The Moderates want to review the noise regulations to protect the cities' culture and nightlife. Entertainment establishments should not be forced to close or move because of individual complaints from residents. There must be flexibility in such regulations so that on some days it can be a little louder, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M).

According to the proposal, permit processes will also become simpler and faster for temporary events and festivals.

The rather strict noise regulations we have in Sweden are disrupting culture and nightlife in Sweden and making our city centres less attractive than they could be, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M), who, together with Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M), is on an election tour.

Known conflict of interest

In Stockholm, there is an ongoing conflict between the popular outdoor club Trädgården, which is located under Skanstullsbron, and three neighbours who have complained about the noise level. Isn't this a difficult conflict of interest to resolve?

Politics is about constant balancing of interests and legitimate interests that must be weighed against each other, but I think it has become a bit one-sided when individual appeals can have major consequences that affect a lot of people, says Ulf Kristersson.

Own responsibility

According to the proposal, anyone who moves in near an established restaurant, club or cultural venue will have increased personal responsibility to adapt their accommodation instead of the business bearing the entire noise burden.

You have to be able to tolerate slightly higher sound levels, at least outdoors, and not have the opportunity to appeal when you knew there was a concert arena or many restaurants where you were moving, says Kristersson.

We need to build urban joy and we do that by making it easier, especially for business owners and non-profits, to actually find things, but places also become safer when people actually move there in the evening, says Parisa Liljestrand.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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