After Brussels, Wallonia to introduce music noise limits

After Brussels and Flanders, Wallonia is preparing to adopt new rules to limit people's exposure to noise in bars, clubs and concert halls.

The protective measures, approved by the Walloon parliament at first reading on Thursday, include a general 85 decibel noise limit in most public spaces.

A higher limit of 95 or 100dB will apply in music cafes, nightclubs and concert halls, but venue operators must allow customers to see the noise levels on a display and provide a quiet room to take a break from the loud music.

Similar rules were introduced in Brussels this week - and have been in force in Flanders since 2012. They apply to all public spaces including gyms, shops, restaurants and cultural centres.