Salem Noise Ordinance is Spooking Local Tour Guides
A Salem noise ordinance has local tour guides very upset, especially since October is the Massachusetts city’s busy season.
According to NBC10 Boston, the new city noise ordinance prohibits sound above 68 decibels Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 PM and on the weekends from 11 AM to 8 PM. Those who violate the noise ordinance will be fined between $50 and $200.
This means many Salem tour guides won’t be able to utilize portable PA systems for their tours, which has some guides concerned about the toll shouting all day will have on their voice. Other guides are concerned that this will lead to poor customer reviews if people can’t hear them on their tours.
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo told NBC10 Boston, “We establish these regulations for public safety reasons. It’s very challenging for our police and fire and medical services to be able to provide assistance to people and provide directions to people when necessary if the noise level is such that they’re unable to get through.”
On November 1, city officials will discuss whether the noise ordinance had any impact during October. At that time, it will be determined whether the noise ordinance will return in October 2025.
This noise ordinance comes as Salem enters its busiest time of the year. In fact, the historically spooky city is expecting a record number of visitors this October.
According to CBS News Boston, the historical Massachusetts city had between 65,000 and 100,000 tourists every weekend during October 2023. In Salem, there are only about 4,000 public parking spots.
With this in mind, city officials are advising people to utilize public transportation if possible. There are two different ferry options available: A ferry between Salem and Long Wharf in Boston, which can carry up to 600 passengers, and a second ferry from Hingham to Salem. Additionally, there will also be extra Keolis commuter trains running between Salem and North Station.
If public transportation isn’t an option and you must drive to Salem, make sure you are not parking illegally, because local law enforcement is not messing around when it comes to issuing tickets.
Mayor Pangallo told CBS News Boston, “New this year we will be conducting parking enforcement with automated license plate readers. So, if you park illegally, including parking on a resident-only street, you’re almost certainly going to get a ticket and possibly a tow as well.”
Tourists looking to plan ahead can do so via the Destination Salem app, which offers updates on available parking, events and more.