Citizens in the southern metropolis of Shenzhen have accused a
local music hall of discrimination for preventing children shorter
than 1.2 meters from attending concerts and other performances
there.
The Shenzhen Concert Hall, which opened in September, created
the regulation to "guarantee the effects of the performance," Wang
Lei, the music venue's general manager, told the Southern
Metropolis Daily.
"In our hall audiences can enjoy natural sound effects without
amplifying facilities. And we don't want them to be disturbed by
noises made by kids," Wang said. Although the rule is a bit
unreasonable, it is the best means of cutting down on disruptions
by children, he said.
Public reaction to the rule has been mixed. Some residents are
questioning why children should not be permitted inside a public
venue. One woman said her daughter loves to see the ballet, and it
is a pity that she will not be able to watch it in the concert
hall.
A citizen surnamed Ma said the regulation discriminates against
children. Listening to classical music is good for children's
development, he said, and the music hall has not been built only
for adults.
Liu Zhenglong, an attorney at a local law firm, said there is no
legal basis for the regulation. Children are entitled to use public
facilities, including music halls, according to the Law on the
Protection of Minors.
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(CRI December 24, 2007)