Restaurants, bars and nightclubs have been forced to close early following an anti-tourism crackdown in a popular Spanish holiday resort.
Drastic measures have been taken in Alicante’s Old Town and in the city’s centre around Calle Castaño following noise complaints from locals. The two zones are being labelled as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS).
Areas with terraces will also be slashed in half, meaning tourists won’t be able to enjoy al fresco dinners and drinks in the evening. New applications from businesses to build terraces will also not be approved in the future.
The measures were announced by Alicante City Council on Tuesday, February 11. The measures will reportedly come into force late next month, just in time for the summer rush, according to The Olive Press.
There will also be no new licences for nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and even bingo halls in ZAS areas.
The new opening hours means hospitality venues apart from nightclubs will close at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays aswell as evenings of holidays. While nightclubs will have to pull down the shutters and turn off the music at 3am, reports the Express.
For the rest of the week, 12.30am will be the closing time – 1am for the clubs. Hospitality venues with terraces must ensure they are cleared half-an-hour before closing.
Known for its lively nightlife the new rules are likely to be a huge blow to the millions of tourists who flock to Alicante to enjoy the Mediterranean climate alongside its vibrant atmosphere.
During the Christmas/New Year season and the Bonfires fiestas longer opening hours will apply, the council will determine the hours nearer the time.
24-hour shops in these two zones will be no one more, they will close their doors between 12.30am and 7am.
Outlets selling bakery goods, take-away meals, newspapers or drinks will also be affected by the restrictions.
To ensure the rules are obeyed the Policia Local will run a special operation to make sure closing times are observed and bar terraces are cleared.