Restrictions on Events at Marina Promenade

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are any noise and time restrictions imposed on events organised at the Marina Promenade; (b) whether the police has considered the inconvenience caused to residents in the Tanjung Rhu area if the noise level at the events are excessive and are carried out until early morning.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Marina Promenade is a major outdoor event venue in the commercial heart of the Marina Bay area. Over 20 events are held there each year, comprising a mix of general and arts entertainment. They are regulated under the Public Entertainment and Meetings Act by Police and the Media Development Authority respectively.

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In approving the events, Police and the Media Development Authority do impose conditions to restrict noise and event hours, taking into account possible disamenities caused to owners of establishments and residents living in the vicinity of Marina Promenade.

The exact conditions imposed would depend on the nature of the entertainment event. For example, there are restrictions on the number of audio speakers allowed and the level of sound amplification. For certain major events, eg, a concert which is likely to last till the early hours of the morning, Police requires the organisers to engage the Management Committees of condominiums and other stakeholders in the vicinity and address their concerns. Event organisers who fail to abide by the licensing conditions will be taken to task. Failure to comply with the licensing conditions could lead to prosecution. If convicted, the licensee may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000.

The Police and the Media Development Authority welcome feedback from the Member and the community and will continue to impose suitable restrictions and requirements on the event organisers to mitigate noise disamenities.