Is this the end for Ibiza’s beach bars? Action group calls for ban
Prou! Ibiza in Action says holidaymakers have a right to peace and quiet
AN action group is calling for a total ban on noisy beach clubs in Ibiza, claiming they are ruining holidays for thousands of people.
Prou! Ibiza in Action says holidaymakers have a right to peace and quiet and should be able to relax on the beaches without loud music blaring out all day.
They want change in the popular resorts of Sant Antoni, Sant Josep and Santa Eulària, calling for closure of any pub, bar or restaurant masquerading as a beach bar.
The group has also demanded explanations from the local councils of the area as to "why the problem of loud music on the beaches is being ignored", even though there are rules against it.
It wants "immediate action" against what it describes as ""camouflaged discos in restaurants" and has sent letters to each council asking for measures which allow local residents and tourists to enjoy beaches in tranquillity.
One of their main concerns is the noise that can be heard from outside the establishments and if it exceeds the legal decibels allowed inside the premises.
Prou! also wants the councils to publicly explain how and when they plan to prohibit commercial units with restaurant, bar or cafeteria licences from advertising themselves as beach clubs and causing "discomfort and annoyance" to bathers.
The group says it was told by tourism chiefs that all beach clubs are now illegal and that even advertising a beach club is liable for a fine.
A spokesperson said: "We don't understand the impunity of this type of premises in the municipalities mentioned.
"Beach discos are spoiling things for visitors and families."
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Prou! wants Sant Antoni, Sant Josep and Santa Eulària to follow the example of Vila and Sant Joan where no noise is allowed on the beaches.
Last summer, the group carried out demonstrations on beaches on the island to demand the public use of bathing areas and denounce overcrowding in many areas of the Ibizan coast.
Earlier this week, we revealed how the Balearic government may soon make tourists pay for alcohol at all-inclusive hotels.
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Spanish media have revealed that discussions are progressing over the idea of ruling out totally free and unrestricted alcohol in the main holiday resorts, with the suggestion likely to go out for public consultation later this summer.
Holidaymakers heading to the White Isle are already paying double the tourist tax compared to last year.
The new rates for the increased tourist tax apply from May 1 until October 31 for all those over the age of 16.