Shop Playing Music Sparks Neighbors' Fury

According to the shop owner, music is played outside the premises to attract customers. However, the neighbors are not entirely fond of the arrangement, and the protracted dispute continues after a ruling on vandalism.

It is outside the clothing store Blank the Hub in Helsingborg that jazz is played through speakers at the entrance.

“Many people love the music. Some say it brings back lovely memories, and some even start to dance,” says owner Harriet Kyolaba Johansson to Helsingborgs Dagblad.

Last spring, a neighbor grew tired and cut the speaker cable, an act for which he was later convicted. In a police interview, the man stated that he had been disturbed by the music—which he described as “repetitive department store music”—for a long time. The penalty for vandalism was a 5,700 kronor day fine and 4,500 kronor in damages to the shop.

But the conflict did not end there. The same person has reported the music to the environmental administration, despite previously saying he was satisfied when the volume was lowered.

No Specific Regulations

At the department, environmental inspector Ulf Blomkvist says they have contacted the store, which has sent a report of measures that will now be forwarded to the complainant for feedback.

According to Blomkvist, the store is allowed to play music outside its premises as long as it does not constitute a “nuisance to human health.” Since there are no specific regulations to relate to, an assessment must instead be made in each individual case, considering factors such as duration, guideline values, and the noise level in the residential environment.

This may require the municipality to conduct a sound measurement inside the man’s apartment.

“Many talk about a vibrant city center, but few know what we actually have to go through,” says Harriet Kyolaba Johansson.