Latest news with #Saturated
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Popular Spanish city with strict curfew rules in place - what it means for Brits
In a huge blow to sun-worshipping Brits, a huge Spanish city has unveiled a strict curfew impacting bars, nightclubs, and restaurants - following noise complaints from fed-up locals Brits are being warned of a brutal clampdown in one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Last year, a staggering 18 million international visitors passed through Alicante-Elche Airport - located on the southeastern stretch of the iconic Costa Blanca region - marking a 16.8 per cent spike compared to 2023. While droves of these passengers will have left the city on cramped coaches heading over to party-mad resorts like Benidorm, almost five million chose to stay in the city for their holiday. Famed for its sugar-like sand, rich history and eclectic range of shops - there's no denying Alicante's mass appeal. Here, you'll find the Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town of Santa Cruz, the bustling Central Market, and half a dozen golden beaches. However, following a series of noise complaints from fed-up locals - authorities green-lighted a strict curfew ahead of the peak summer season. The ruling, which impacts bars and restaurants, means establishments will have to close at 12.30am on weekdays. They will be allowed to stay open slightly later (1am) on Fridays, Saturdays, and on the eve of national holidays. Nightclubs will also be given permission to stay open a little later, but must still close their doors at 1am during weekdays and at 3am on the weekend. Those dining outside on terraces will also be impacted by the crackdown, as Alicante is slashing its al-fresco seating by half. According to local press, customers will be asked to leave their table 30 minutes ahead of closing time. The curfew, which will be a huge blow to Brits wanting to dance the night away, applies to two areas of Alicante City that have been designated as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS). This includes parts of the Old Town as well as the area around Calle Castaños, which was previously known for its 'lively' nightlife. The Independent reports that police will be enforcing the rules and helping 'disperse revellers from the area'. It is said the ruling will also have an impact on 24-hour shops that cash in on drunken Brits desperate for a nightcap, as they will also need to comply with the curfew. Alicante's crackdown follows escalating anti-tourist sentiment that has grappled the country in recent months. Last year, a slew of protests erupted across the country as angry residents blamed Brits for Spain's worsening housing crisis. The movement's momentum has continued into this summer season, with more demonstrations to take place in Spanish hotspots this month (June 15). As previously reported the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth, which is behind the action, has been encouraging protestors to bring water pistols to target holidaymakers and get their message across.
The Independent
14-02-2025
- The Independent
Spanish holiday hotspot introduces bar curfew to stamp out noisy drinkers
A popular Spanish tourist destination is set to introduce new curfews on bars, restaurants and nightclubs due to noise complaints from residents. Authorities in Spain 's popular Costa Blanca region of Alicante have approved the new legislation, which is expected to come into force before the peak holiday season begins in spring. The new ruling means bars will have to close at 12.30am on weekdays and 1am on Friday, Saturdays and on the eve of national holidays. Nightclubs will be required to close their doors at 1am during weekdays and 3am on the weekend. Terrace areas are set to be cut by half, while those that are permitted to stay open will be cleared 30 minutes ahead of closing time, The Olive Press reports. And new applications for terrace spots are also being halted, as are new licences for nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and even bingo halls. The curfew applies to two areas of Alicante City designated as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS). This includes parts of the Old Town and the area around Calle Castaños. Police will be on hand to ensure closing times are observed, bar terraces cleared and to disperse revellers from the area. The ruling is also expected to impact 24-hour shops, which will also be required to comply with the new legislation. The move is the latest in a raft of initiatives aimed at reducing the number and impact of tourists across Spain. Overcrowding, strained resources like water and the increasing scarcity and cost of housing have become pressing issues across the country, especially in major cities. Malaga and Barcelona are both tightening regulations on short-term rentals predominantly used by tourists. A 2024 YouGov study found that nearly a third of people living in Spain said there are too many foreign travellers in their country. Protesters chanted 'tourists go home' and carried placards reading 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism'.
