A SPANISH city has cracked down on noisy tourists as it plans to force nightclubs and bars to close earlier due to complaints from residents.
Alicante, which has been a popular holiday destination for British tourists for decades, will now have designated Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS) following complaints from locals over noisy and antisocial behaviour caused by late-night partying.
One zone will cover parts of the city’s Old Town and the other in the centre around Calle Castaños which is a well-known hotspot for nightlife, Olive Press has reported.
Along with bars, restaurants and nightclubs closing earlier in these zones the number of terrace areas used by hospitality businesses will also be slashed by half while applications for new ones will be frozen.
Licences for new nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and even bingo halls in the ZAS will also be suspended.
Alicante City Council approved the measure on Tuesday which could come into force as soon as late March and those who violate the restrictions could face penalties reaching up to €300,000 (approximately £250,000).
Visitors, locals, or businesses, who are deemed to be creating excessive noise in the zones could also be fined, ranging from €600 (approximately £500) to €30,000 euros (roughly £25,000).
The local authority of the Spanish city said the Policia Local will run a special operation to make sure closing times are observed and bar terraces are cleared, including dispersing crowds of people close to the premises.
Businesses will now be required to close by 1am on Fridays and Saturdays plus the eves of holidays and will need to shut by 12.30am for the rest of the week.
Meanwhile, nightclubs will also have to pull the shutters down by 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and by 1am for the rest of the week.
Longer hours will apply during the bonfires fiestas and over the Christmas and New Year periods which the council will determine nearer the time.
24-hour shops will also be impacted by the zones as they will have to shut between 12.30am and 7am.
Outlets selling bakery goods, take-away meals, newspapers or drinks will also be affected by the new restrictions.
