Old sausage cart sparks noise debate in Randers

A former sausage cart at a central square in Randers has become the focal point of a heated debate over noise, after café owner and city councillor Christian Bach (S) began using the space for weekly outdoor events such as music quizzes, bingo, and cocktail evenings.

The events, held by Bach’s nearby café Operaen, draw crowds but have drawn complaints from neighbour Lea Egholm, who says amplified music at high decibels often stretches for hours and disrupts daily life. Her apartment is about 20 metres from the square.

Egholm acknowledges that city living involves noise but argues the volume exceeds reasonable levels. She has filed a formal noise complaint with Randers Municipality, which was recently presented during the city council’s open question session.

Bach, elected to the council last year, maintains he complies with municipal requirements and stresses that revitalising the city centre requires accepting some noise. He notes many residents support the café’s efforts to bring life to a long-struggling area.

Mayor Rosa Lykke Yde (SF) declined an interview but wrote in an email that she understands both perspectives, praising Operaen’s role in fostering community while assuring Egholm’s complaint will be processed like any other.

Bach has invited neighbours to an August meeting to discuss upcoming events, while Egholm hopes her complaint will set clearer limits on noise levels, both on the square and in surrounding buildings.