New regulations on square dancing lay out requirements, fines

China's top legislature said on Friday that organizers of square dancing who create excessive noise and do not correct the problem after being warned, will be fined.

Square dancing, a popular form of mass fitness among the middle-aged and the elderly, has sparked controversy in the recent years for the disturbance it sometimes causes members of the public through the use of loudspeakers.

To regulate the craze, a draft to the law on noise pollution prevention and control clarifies that organizers of square dancing in public places, including parks and residential subdistricts, should take measures to prevent their audio equipment from producing too much noise, or ensure the volume is not too high.

The draft will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, for further review next week.

It stipulates that authorities in charge of managing public places should strengthen management, and requires them to ensure activities take place in a suitable area and at a suitable time, as well as suggesting they help monitor noise levels.

It also allows local governments to set up a specialized department to educate organizers and participants who do not obey requirements, and to order them to correct the problem.

Any individual refusing to comply will be given a warning and face fines ranging from 200 yuan ($31) to 1,000 yuan.

Organizers of square dancing who refuse to comply will face fines ranging from 2,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan.

The draft was discussed by the NPC Standing Committee for first review in August, as a new legislative move to protect the environment and curb noise pollution.

In addition, the body will review other drafts and draft amendments, such as those on wetland protection, civil procedures and organized crime, when it is in session next week.