Unguja. After weeks of struggling with a government-imposed ban on loud music, Zanzibar’s bar and hotel owners have been granted a six-day exemption, allowing them to play music during the festive season.
The exemption approved by the government, will run from December 24 to 27, 2024, and continue for the first two days of the New Year, 2025.
In October 2024, the Zanzibar government, through the Arts, Film, and Culture Council (BASSFU), imposed a ban on loud music in bars and hotels that did not have soundproof systems.
The government justified the move as part of broader efforts to regulate noise pollution, but for business owners, it has meant a sharp downturn in profits.
“The Council prohibits the playing of music in all bars within Zanzibar that do not have soundproof areas to prevent disturbances caused by music to individuals engaged in various forms of worship, tourists, patients, students, and the community at large,” reads the October 18 order.
The order further added that the decision did not intend to hinder the arts and entertainment sector but, instead, a measure to ensure that arts and entertainment are conducted in ways that do not affect moral values, safety, and the well-being of the community.
“Any institution or individual who violates this notice will face severe legal action,” the council warned.
However, the ban, according to beverage sellers has led to a significant decline in revenue for many businesses reliant on music-driven foot traffic, especially during the peak holiday season.
During a meeting with the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita, on December 14, 2024, bar and hotel owners petitioned the government to reconsider the ban, citing the financial impact.
“This is a crucial time for our businesses, with many tourists visiting for Christmas celebrations. We request that music be allowed until the end of December,” said Sunner Jungle Club Manager Kassim Mohamed.
The Zanzibar Beverage Sellers Association (ZBSA), which represents bar owners, had earlier expressed concerns about the loss of income.
The association had already sent a formal petition to the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) requesting a reduction in their tax obligations, citing the significant decline in customer numbers due to the music ban.
“The ban has affected our business severely, and we are finding it difficult to meet our tax obligations,” said ZBSA chairperson Hussein Kimti.
While the government maintained the stance of regulating noise levels, Minister Tabia granted the requested exemption, acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by the sector.
“We are offering this exemption for six days, with the understanding that the sound volume must not exceed level 40,” she said, stressing the need for businesses to balance entertainment with community well-being.
Business owners also argued that some of their establishments, located away from residential areas, did not cause significant disturbances.
“The areas where our bars are located are far from residential homes, and we do not disrupt the peace. We urge the government to review the ban to prevent unfair harm to these businesses,” said Avrora Boutique Hotel owner in Jambiani, Marisa Baretta.
Despite the temporary exemption, the government’s decision to impose the music ban had already led to a downturn in profits, especially for bars and hotels that rely on vibrant nightlife.
“We’ve seen a drop in both local and international guests due to the noise restrictions,” said Baretta, explaining that some guests were opting out of bookings due to nearby noise from other businesses.
In light of the situation, the ZRA has yet to respond to the ZBSA’s tax reduction request, but the association remains hopeful that a fair solution will be found.
“If this issue is not addressed, some of us may struggle to continue operating our businesses,” said Mr Kimti.
With the government lifting the music ban for the holiday period, bar and hotel owners are hopeful that the exemption will help revive their businesses.
However, they continue to call for long-term solutions that would allow the entertainment sector to thrive while maintaining a balance with the broader community’s needs.
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