Shreveport Mayor Arceneaux Throws Out Controversial Noise Ordinance

Mayor Tom Arceneaux of Shreveport used his veto power to throw out the controversial revised noise ordinance passed by the City Council in early October. He explained that the restrictions on clubs and restaurants are too relaxed and has ordered police to enforce the statute as previously enacted.

According to The Shreveport Bossier Advocate, the new ordinance would permit bars and restaurants to maintain up to 85 decibels of noise as recorded from a nearby property. The decision from Arceneaux sends the council back to the drawing board. The 85-decibel limit is considerably higher than the recommendation given to the council but was amended by four council members. The outlet noted he council likely doesn’t have the votes necessary for a veto override.

"The standards passed by the city council permit such loud amplified sound as to make matters worse rather than better," the Mayor wrote in a memo accompanying the veto.
He added,

"The right to be in a particular place, like one's home, without bombardment of amplified sound or other noise is a significant right. A permitted sound level for someone at their property (not the property of the one amplifying the sound) of 85 dB destroys that right. There is no reason why persons must barricade themselves in their homes to avoid unbearable and constant noise from a source with the means to prevent the intrusion."

As represented by the Hearing Center of Excellence at Health.mil, a sound at 85-100 decibels is roughly equivalent to operating a hair dryer, blender, power lawn mower, forklift, or standing near a subway train.