Owners of hotels, bars and restaurants should respect neighbours’ rights by maintaining low levels of noise as the festive season approaches, a period normally characterised by merrymaking.

The Central Region Police Commander, ACP Rogers Rutikanga, sounded the warning during a meeting with police officers and managers of different hospitality establishments, under the umbrella body, Rwanda Hospitality Association (RHA).

"You should not violate the law. Maintain low volume as  you entertain your guests,” Rutikanga said.

He said playing music is not prohibited as long as the volume of the music does not inconvenience neighbours.

Rutikanga also urged hotels with special events such as concerts to write to the city mayor indicating the time, location and when the event will end.

He also reminded the members of the association that maintaining security, especially during the festive season, is everyone’s responsibility.

Rutikanga said Police will be on alert to apprehend owners of entertainment places who will flout rules on noise pollution.

"We take different measures depending on the situation in case noise pollution is reported from a certain hangout, including issuing verbal warning. If the noise is not reduced (after the warning), we have no option but to close your business,” he said.

He advised people operating night clubs to fit them with soundproof equipment to contain noise.

"We understand the necessity of entertainment but you also need to respect other people’s rights,” he said.

The association chairperson, Dennis Karera, said they had forged a constructive working relationship with police to ensure people operate within the law.

"We also want to provide a conducive environment for people living around our hotels, bars and restaurants,” he said.

He added that the association had provided a good vehicle through which hoteliers put across their concerns as a bloc.

Remmygious Lubega, the promoter of live band, said the noise pollution policy would render some in the industry jobless, adding that modalities should be worked out and certain hours designated for them to operate freely.

"Another issue concerns double standards. Some places produce noise and are not closed while others are closed. Does the new law exempt some people?” he asked.

To this, Rutikanga said the law is no respecter of persons and that there was no selectivity in enforcing it.