The Albufeira Commercial Association (ACALB) expressed concern this Monday regarding the new noise mitigation measures implemented by Albufeira City Hall, warning of possible legal and economic consequences for the sectors covered.
The measures, which came into force this Monday, are the result of a decision by Albufeira City Council and aim to reduce noise levels in areas classified as “special noise prevention”, as well as in surrounding areas within a radius of five kilometers.
According to the municipal order, the opening hours of several establishments have been reduced. Convenience stores, wineries and minimarkets now close at 11pm instead of midnight. Bars see their opening hours reduced from 4:00 to 3:00, while nightclubs close at 5:00, an hour earlier than before.
The order also determines a reinforcement of sound control measures, imposing a maximum limit of 74 decibels on establishments.
Business owners raise doubts about noise limits and implementation costs
Speaking to Lusa, the president of ACALB, Sérgio Brito, stated that there are “many doubts about the content of the order that was issued by the municipality”, saying that the association has received “several requests for clarification” from businesspeople.
The main concern is about the reduction in working hours, the economic impact of which, he said, has not yet been properly assessed: “We have to assess the effective impact this has on the economy”, he highlighted.
According to the person responsible, the measure was adopted “without consultation with the social partners”, considering it to be “a unilateral act by the City Council that “is respected, but whose dimension needs to be re-evaluated”.
Sérgio Brito also highlighted that “entrepreneurs were all surprised by this reduction” and warned of “negative financial impacts on the activity”.
In addition to limiting opening hours, there are reservations regarding the installation of external noise meters subject to a limit of 74 decibels.
“This means that people on a terrace talking normally exceed this value”, he explained, adding that “all activity inherent to a restaurant or bar is completely limited”.
The director also pointed out technical issues and costs associated with implementing the measures, remembering that most establishments already have certified sound limiters.
The application of the measures covers, according to the association, more than 400 establishments, “not restricted to areas traditionally identified as having the greatest tourist pressure, but within a radius of five kilometers”.
“In addition to the expense, there is also the technical issue of implementation,” he stated, warning of logistical and operational difficulties.
The person in charge regretted that the city hall “never listened to the traders”, despite “a noise mitigation plan” having been presented in May”, stating that the sector “is available to collaborate”.
Sérgio Brito considered that the measures will have an impact “not just on restaurants and bars, but on the entire tourism value chain.
“All tourist activity, this surrounding ecosystem that lives on the basis of tourist entertainment, suffers a lot”, he stressed.
Association admits analyzing legal framework of measures
Regarding the legality of the measures, the person responsible indicated that the association “is analyzing the legal framework”.
Sérgio Brito also pointed out practical effects that were visible this morning after the rules came into force, saying that “establishments closed earlier, but the presence of people on public roads and the noise remained”.
“The bars closed at 03:00, but people remained on the street talking loudly and without control,” he noted.
Sérgio Brito assured that the association will continue trying to dialogue with the City Hall to “contribute to balanced solutions, so as not to harm the tourist entertainment activity that has been recognized for more than 40 years and is a cultural part of Albufeira”.
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