Brits planning a holiday to Alicante in Spain this year might find their nightlife options somewhat limited due to the city council’s crackdown on noisy bars and clubs. Hospitality businesses located within two new Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS) will be subject to earlier closing times following complaints from local residents.
One of these zones covers a section of Alicante’s Old Town, while the other is set in the Calle Castaños area of the city centre, a vibrant nightlife hotspot where both tourists and locals enjoy the wide selection of bars and restaurants.
Those looking forward to summer nights spent sipping cocktails al fresco may also feel let-down, as the city has plans to halve the number of outdoor terraces used by hospitality businesses, and put a stop to applications for new ones.
There’s also a freeze on applications for new late-night businesses, ranging from cafes to karaoke bars, which the council hopes will contribute to a quieter atmosphere. Even previously 24-hour operations, such as convenience stores, will now be required to close between 12.30am and 7am.
Within the ZAS, venues like bars and restaurants will need to shut their doors at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, with customers expected to leave the terraces half an hour before. Nightclubs will have a closing time of 3am. During the week, most places will close at 12.30am, with nightclubs shutting at 1am.
As reported by the Olive Press, these new noise regulations came into force yesterday (February 11), with fines of up to €300,000 (approximately £250,000) for the most serious violators.
The newly introduced rules are a continuation of the anti-noise laws put in place by the city in 2023, designed to curb noise pollution caused by tourists. Whether it’s visitors, locals or businesses creating excessive noise, they could be slapped with fines ranging from €600 (approximately £500) to a hefty €30,000 euros (around £25,000).
These regulations require bars and restaurants to fit rubber pads on their table and chair legs to minimise noise during opening and closing hours. Additionally, the law prohibits loud music on beaches and gives them powers to deal with noise within holiday accommodation.