If you live in a property located above the terrace of a bar, surely you have experienced sleepless nights due to the noise and bustle that is generated until late at night. The situation raises serious questions about the rights of residents and the limits that bars and restaurants must respect. From the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare and different municipal ordinances throughout Spain, there are several points that deal with it and can shed light on the million dollar question in these circumstances: what time should bars close and what can be done to handle the noise problem?
Bar closing laws
The closing hours of the bars and terraces are not uniform throughout Spain. They vary depending on the location and the local ordinances established by each municipality. However, in general, it is stipulated that bars must close around 2:30 am during the week, and they can extend their hours until 3:00 am on weekends and holidays.
noise control
Despite the stated closing times, the real concern for residents is noise. The Law on the Protection against Acoustic Pollution establishes limits on the levels of noise allowed during the night. Bar and restaurant terraces must implement measures to reduce noise, such as limiting music and the volume of conversations.
Complaints and denunciations
If you are making excessive noise or if the bar under your home does not respect closing hours, you have the right to file a complaint or report. Procedures may vary depending on your location, but in most cases you can go to the local police or the City Hall.
Living on the terrace of a bar can be an exceptional experience due to noise and disorder problems. However, there are laws and regulations that seek to balance the rights of residents with those of bars and restaurants. If you are having problems, it is important to know your rights and the resources available to protect you.
