Hi all,

Has anyone had any experience asking for permission to host a party / exceptionally play loud music until 1-2am or so? Everyone in my building needs to leave fairly soon since the owner is refurbishing the place, so along with my neighbours we were thinking of hosting a pretty big party... Generally speaking, the neighbourhood is rather lively (Kreis 4...) and noise doesn't carry so well + we usually crank the volume down before midnight but we'd rather stay on the safe side of the law since we'd likely have a lot of guests and the building is very close to the police station so it's bound to attract attention. A small point: we don't anticipate being louder or producing more noise than most of the bars in the surrounding vicinity, however I expect they have authorisation for this.

Also, if anyone has any experience of renting a security guard or two for an event, any idea as to how much this might cost? (this would remain a "house" party, so no entrance fee and only personal acquaintances, however as it would span several floors / flats, we'd probably need to make sure that someone stays at the entrance at all times with a list of who can come in).

Thanks for your advice!

If it is not a commercial party,(besides not charging an entrance fee, that also includes not charging for drinks..) you do not require a permit, nor can you obtain one. I'd advise calling the city police if you have further questions:
https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/i...n/planung.html

If you invite the neighbours or at least make them aware of the event, it might work in your benefit. If the neighobours do not complain, then the police is not likely to come and visit - specially in Kreis 4.

if you are close to the police station in Kreis 4, chances are they will have their hands full with other business to deal with a loud party, unless one of the neighbours complain to the police ....

From personal experience, when I had a loud party, and the neighbour complained, the police just came around and asked us to turn it down. The second time the police came, they had to fine us - CHF 50.00 . And iIt was not Kreis 4. But your mileage may vary ...

depends on the number of people. in the end, with enough people, just have everyone chip in to pay the fine. think of it as a party permit fee

They will of course be there very soon after 10pm

Perhaps best to ask for the special permission to flush the toilet after 10 pm.

In a private block you can have a party and play loud music until 10pm on Friday nights, and midnight on Saturday. With normal music, not a live band.

If loudspeakers are used for electronic music then you need a permit.
I only say that because we had a garden party with a live band using "plugged-in" loudspeakers and therefore needed Gemeinde/Police permit with a restricted time limit for the noise.

Actually we had the party and only found out about the permission after the event (the house owner has a good relationship with his neighbors) But was warned about any future events.

I don`t envy you having to have "door control" security! But necessary I guess. Just get the biggest and most muscular guys to do that, on a rotation basis? Preferably those with shaved heads.