WRITTEN QUESTION E-1976/02 by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Permissible noise levels in dance clubs.
Date: 2002-07-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: competence of the Member States, leisure, noise level, noise protection, working conditions

C 301 E/254

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

(2002/C 301 E/273)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1966/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 July 2002)

Subject: Iberian lynx

What is the Commission’s estimate of the number of these creatures still surviving in the wild in relevant
Member States, and how have population numbers changed in each decade since 1950?

To what extent have policies, projects and schemes supported by EU subsidies and funding played a part in
increasing threats to the survival of the species?

What programmes and measures is the Commission supporting with a view to try and sustain the species,
and what is the Commission’s assessment of the prospects of success?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2002)

The population estimates of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are as follows:

1950

1978

1988

1995

2001

2002

Spain

Portugal

Several thousands

1100-1300

800-1000

500-800

300-400

200-300

50

20

The main threats to the Iberian lynx are the destruction of its habitats and the scarcity of its prey animals
(especially rabbits). There are several types of development projects, also partly or entirely funded by the
Community, that might have a negative effect on the Iberian lynx populations. Such are e.g. transport
projects and water regulation projects as they tend to fragment the habitats favourable to the lynx. The
Commission has insisted on adequate impact assessments and mitigating actions to be taken in these
projects but it is obvious that they do affect the lynx populations.

Among the different environment-related Community funding possibilities LIFE Nature targets directly
nature conservation and the conservation of species. During the period 1994-2001 funding has been given
to two projects for Iberian lynx in Portugal and 18 projects in Spain. Their main aims have been to protect
and maintain the lynx habitats and to enhance the number of its prey animals.

The sustainability of a species with a low number of individuals and isolated subpopulations is always
doubtful but as can be seen from the number of projects the Commission considers the survival of the
Iberian lynx is a priority issue.

(2002/C 301 E/274)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1976/02

by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Permissible noise levels in dance clubs

(8 July 2002)

Under current Greek legislation, the maximum level of noise from music permitted in an establishment
licensed as a night club is 100 dB at source (loudspeakers) and in other establishments, such as cafeterias,
bars etc., 80 dB.

5.12.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 301 E/255

Is there any Community legislation regulating the maximum permissible level of noise at source

1.
(loudspeakers) in respect of large dance clubs with live music or a DJ?

2. What are the applicable rules in each Member State of the Union in this respect? What are the
consequences for anyone infringing the national legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2002)

The Commission has noted with interest the written question submitted by the Honourable Member
regarding the noise levels permitted in places of entertainment where music is played.

There is no Community legislation governing maximum noise levels for the playing of music in public.
Directive 2002/49/EC of 29 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental
noise (1) concerns only various modes of transport (road, rail and air) and industrial activities.

Issuing such regulations lies within the exclusive competence of the Member States and the Commission
has no information on any local measures taken to prevent music being played at excessive volumes.

Nonetheless, the Commission would draw the Honourable Member’s attention to the fact that there is
Community legislation to protect employees’ health and safety in the workplace: Framework Directive
89/391/EEC (2) on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of
workers at work, and Council Directive 86/188/EEC (3) on the protection of workers from the risks related
to exposure to noise at work. The latter applies to all employees except for those in shipping and aviation,
and thus is applicable to employees working in night clubs and similar places (bars, cafes, etc.).

The Commission regards promoting and ensuring proper and effective inspection and application of the
national provisions implementing this Directive as the responsibility of the Member States.

Lastly, the Honourable Member’s attention is drawn to the fact that Directive 86/188/EEC on noise at
work is currently being revised following a Commission proposal, with a view to stepping up health and
safety in the workplace and, in particular, extending the scope of the directive. The Council adopted a
common position on 29 October 2001 (4) and the proposal is now being considered under the codecision
procedure (Article 251 of the EC Treaty).

(1) OJ L 189, 18.7.2002.
(2) Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989.
(3) Council Directive 86/188/EEC of 12 May 1986, OJ L 137, 24.5.1986.
(4) Common position (EC) No 8/2002 of 29 October 2001, OJ C 45 E, 19.2.2002.

(2002/C 301 E/275)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1981/02

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(8 July 2002)

Subject: Health service waiting lists in Rome and Italy as a whole

Rome and Italy as a whole have for some time been wrestling with the serious problem of ‘waiting lists’ for
access to free public health services. The problem can be particularly serious in the case of emergencies
and certain diseases. In many cases patients have to wait more than six months to undergo tests.