KINGSTON, Jamaica – The police are warning people who may host celebratory events during the Yuletide season that might constitute serious breaches of the Noise Abatement Act and other legislations, that the law will be applied to its fullest extent.

In a news release Thursday, the police’s Corporate Communications Unit said non-compliance with the Noise Abatement Act can lead to seizure of equipment and prosecution.

The police also advised people who have received permission from divisional commanders to stage events that they must adhere to the terms and conditions granted in their permit.

“These individuals must ensure that music is not played beyond the stated cut-off times, which are 12 midnight (Sundays to Thursdays) and 2:00 am on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays),” the release said.

The police also said that where the noise is audible beyond a distance of 100 metres, it will automatically be presumed a “social annoyance”.

Meanwhile, the CCU said the police will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to people who are hosting events that include:

• Dances held without approval;

• Music being played beyond the cut-off time;

• Music causing a nuisance to the public;

• Musical events held in the streets impeding vehicular and pedestrian traffic;

• Use of firearms at these events resulting in injury or death to patrons;

• Improper parking which creates congestion;

• Breaches of the National Solid Waste Management Act – improper disposal of garbage;

• Abstraction of electricity;

• Expression of lewd lyrics by disc jockeys; and

• Attendance of children at these musical events.

“While we understand the need of promoters to reap the economic success that accompanies these events, it must be exercised responsibly, with appropriate discretion and within the remit of the laws,” the CCU said.

They then urged citizens to contact police emergency number 119 or the nearest police station to report any breach of the law.