'Pointless' noise nuisance order to stay

Dénia's 'restaurant city' will be a designated noisy zone for another year

A BUSY restaurant-filled street in Dénia will remain under a 'noise nuisance zone' order for another year – despite owners calling it 'pointless' and 'bureaucratic'.

The central C/ Loreto was classified as what translates directly as 'Acoustically-Saturated Zone' (ZAS) a year ago, meaning steps were automatically required by law to reduce noise levels.

This included bars and eateries closing an hour early, even during peak tourist season in summer, which owners say has affected their takings.

Otherwise, the few neighbour complaints have largely been resolved by soundproofing and face-to-face talks, which traders say is much easier, less costly and more efficient than the 'long-winded' and 'red-tape filled' ZAS declaration.

Now, results of decibel counters in Dénia's 'restaurant city' have been analysed after the first year, and the council says no change in volume has been seen.

Local authorities say traders will 'have to start cooperating' if they want to avoid 'drastic measures' – undefined, but which could include fines, closures or greater opening restrictions – and that the ZAS will remain in place for at least another year.

Despite this, a review meeting with residents, including those who complained pre-ZAS, showed they nearly all think the noise problems have been solved to their satisfaction.

Another meeting, this time with restaurateurs and the Marina Alta traders' association AEHTMA, was due to be held this week.

The council says AEHTMA had proposed restaurants using paper napkins with messages on them encouraging customers to keep the noise down, but that these have never been seen.