Irish band Keywest have been fined for exceeding Dublin City Council’s controversial noise limits.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said that a total of 24 fines have been issued for playing above the permitted level of 80 decibels since the by-laws were introduced in April.
“The fine is €75 and is only issued when an earlier warning notice has not been complied with. Eleven fines have been paid to date,” the spokesperson said.
Sounding off: The band have been noisy on the streets of Dublin
Keywest lead singer Andy Kavanagh revealed how the band were fined €75 per person for performing at a level over 80 decibels, and they were also accused of having no permits displayed.
The Artane native said that they did have permits with them, but they were in a guitar case while they were performing.
The popular Dublin band paid the council fine in respect of a performance back in August.
Pay your dues: The band paid their council fine despite unfair rules | VIPIRELAND.COM
Andy has met with the council about the busking rules on numerous occasions and another meeting is planned with officials for today.
“The city doesn’t want busking removed,” he said.
“I am fine with rules that work and we are happy to talk to them about rules that work.”
Success: The band are currently promoting their new album Joyland | TWITTER
“The decibel level is unachievable. If I am singing without a microphone, without an amp, just acoustically on the street, I would be hitting 90 to 95 decibels from 15 feet away,” he told The Herald.
The singer explained that busking rules are a lot different in other parts of the world.
“In Santa Monica, it’s 107 decibels from one foot,” he added.
The band are currently holding number two in the official album charts with their second album Joyland.