Residents of the Old Town: "Alicante is a paradise by day and a nightmare by night"

The implementation of two Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS) in the centre of Alicante has once again divided opinions among residents and business owners. The measure comes with new features that address some of the demands of those living in the area. In certain streets of the old town and traditional centre, terraces will be halved, and the operating hours for both outdoor seating and establishments will face drastic cuts.

The proposal approved by the Government Board last Tuesday has drawn criticism from businesses and praise from neighbourhood associations. Representatives from Laderas del Benacantil have stated that the ZAS has arrived "after many years of suffering and waiting," and residents have expressed gratitude to both the government and opposition for seeking a solution to the area's noise problems.

Residents wish to emphasize that this is not a battle against the nightlife economic sector. "We do not want reality to be distorted for the economic benefit of a few at the expense of everyone else, our rest, our rights, and our economy, everyone's economy," they stated in a communiqué. They claim that their association also includes owners of guesthouses, hotels, rentals, and other businesses affected by the noise.

They also believe that the need for measures is well-proven both by the ZPAE declaration for this area approved in 2018 - reminding that the council had six months to take action - "nothing has improved in this time," they add. The reports from the three acoustic measurements conducted in December 2023 by the Department of Environment in various locations of the area confirmed irrefutably that noise is a serious problem, exceeding the legal limit by more than 20 decibels at least three days a week during each of the three weeks.

Furthermore, residents recall that the ZAS regulations include the option for much more restrictive measures than those currently being applied in Alicante. Additionally, they insist that in the case of the old town, of the more than 100 streets in the neighbourhood, the restrictions will only affect four streets. "What is in those streets? A proliferation of pubs, about 20, with closing/noise hours until 3:30 and 4:00 in the morning every day of the year, those are the ones that will have to comply with the specific schedule regulations. Neither restaurants, cafes, nor other activities outside those streets will be affected," insist representatives from Laderas del Benacantil.

There is still time for the ZAS to be fully implemented with all its measures; for now, a period for objections will open, and it will need to be submitted to the Conselleria and published in the DOGV. However, some restrictions, such as the suspension of new licenses, will be among the first to be enforced. Meanwhile, residents continue to demand: "We want to start resting normally now!"