Roquetas council declares war on noise

Roquetas de Mar council has submitted new legislation, subject to approval by the city in a few days, in which new measures are set to combat excessive noise.

The ordinance identifies seven different noise areas, establishing restrictions and limitations appropriate to each.

The seven areas are: residential, recreational, entertainment, touristic, health/education/cultural, transport and natural.

Bars and restaurants with music and entertainment look to be most affected in the legislation, as the legislation refers to systems which may controlled from the local police headquarters as already occurs in some areas.

In addition, this type of business, as well as sports and cultural facilities such as schools, gymnasiums, factories, places of recreation or store loading areas must install floating floors to reduce noise and vibration.

Noise limits and restrictions are placed on the use of televisions and DVD music devices. Televisions may not be connected to external speakers or amplifiers and may undergo measurements to be authorized.

The ordinance devotes a special section to businesses with outside areas, where live music and reproduction is prohibited, including televisions, something that already caused controversy in the draft ordinance last year.

Failure to comply with the new legislation may result in temporary suspension of licenses, existing, new or renewable.

There will be limitations on security alarms, which may not sound for more than 60 seconds, a maximum of three cycles, and must not exceed 85 decibels.

The regulation also affects household activities. No noisy work may be carried out outside 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm at weekends.

As for parties or private events, noise is restricted to midnight, except for Saturdays and the eve of public holidays, when it is extended to 1am.

Finally, the local police can fine vehicles with loud music without making measurements.