The move comes after residents complained against noise
British tourists planning a trip to Alicante in Spain this year may have fewer nightlife options due to the city council clamping down on noisy bars and clubs. Hospitality businesses in two new Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS) will face early closures after complaints by residents.
One zone will cover part of the Old Town of Alicante, while the other will be set in the Calle Castaños area of the city centre, a lively spot at night where tourists and locals enjoy the bars and restaurants.
Those dreaming of sipping cocktails outside on summer nights may also be disappointed, with the city planning to halve the number of outdoor terraces used by hospitality businesses, and closing applications for new ones.
There’s also a freeze on applications for new businesses that operate late at night, from cafes to karaoke bars, which the council hopes will make the area quieter. Even businesses that were previously 24-hours, such as convenience stores, will have to close between 12.30am and 7am.
Within the ZAS, businesses such as bars and restaurants will need to close at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, with customers cleared from terraces half an hour before. Nightclubs will need to close by 3am. During the week, closing hours will be 12.30am for most places, and 1am for nightclubs.
As reported by the Olive Press, the new noise laws came into effect yesterday (February 11), with fines of up to €300,000 (around £250,000) for the most serious offenders.
The new regulations are an extension of anti-noise laws brought in by the city in 2023, with the aim of cracking down on noisy tourists. Visitors, locals, or business premises making excessive noise can face fines from €600 (around £500) to €30,000 euros (around £25,000).
The strict rules mean that bars and restaurants have to place rubber pads on table and chair legs so they don’t make a noise when being put out at opening and closing times. The law also forbids noisy music on beaches and making noise in your holiday accommodation.
