The Nightlife Industry in Alicante Files Lawsuit Against ZAS

The two Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS) in Alicante were approved by the Governing Board more than two weeks ago, and the entertainment and hotel industries are still waiting for their public display so they can voice their concerns.

Despite a proposal that would severely restrict the hours of the terrace and venue by up to three hours compared to the present closing time and lower the occupancy of outdoor seating by about 50%, business owners are refusing to give up. The industry is alarmed by these restrictions and warns of “layoffs and economic losses” if they are put into effect.

The measures are crucial to the Alicante Association of Restaurants and Leisure Venues (Alroa), who view them as “invalid” given the recent approval of the new noise legislation. These already have an impact on when outdoor seating opens across the city.

The association contends that because terraces now close at one in the morning instead of 2:30 a.m., it is impossible to assess the present noise measurement system. They so maintain that the outcome “will not be the same.” Once they have the material, Alroa will use it to support their objections, but they will also go the legal path.

At this stage, the corporation intends to propose “precautionary measures,” so even if the text is approved after the objection period, it might take some time for the hours to take effect.

Since it is currently required to publish the file for the presentation of objections in the public exhibition, resolve them, and give the final text to the Conselleria, one of the most important factors is when the hours will be shortened. The group notes that no one can predict how long the procedure may be delayed if it is further judicialized.

There are other judicial proceedings going on as a result of Alicante’s noise pollution. Since the end of January, the hospitality industry’s appeal against the judgement requiring the application of a ZAS on Castaños Street has been pending publication of the ruling.

Alroa claims that they find it incomprehensible that the municipal council launched a ZAS before waiting to learn the conclusion of this process. Additionally, they believe it is unrealistic given that the Noise Ordinance, which also calls for hourly decreases, only went into effect a few months ago.

Additionally, the hospitality industry is calling for the prompt implementation of several of the ZAS application’s suggested actions, like stepping up police presence in party zones. According to the sector, they have been demanding this measure for years “without response from the City Council,” along with the revision of licenses and penalties for infractions by recreational establishments not only in the historic centre but also throughout the city.