The authorities in Vélez-Málaga have fined a music bar in Torre del Mar €2,400 for exceeding noise limits, violating opening hours and disorderly conduct outside the establishment.
The music equipment has also been embargoed by the Council. Residents in the Plazamar residential area have been complaining about the bar for the past five years, wanting it to be closed down permanently. They claim that, especially because the building is around thirty years old, the loud music causes vibrations throughout the block.
The owner of the bar has applied for planning permission to carry out insulation work with the intention of reopening at Easter, something the local residents vehemently oppose and they are considering legal action.
The question of noise pollution is a touch subject in the municipality, Vélez-Málaga having the dubious distinction of being the first Council in Spain to be fined for not doing enough to combat noise problems.
In October 2008 the Supreme Court condemned the Council to pay compensation of €2.8 million to 18 residents of the Ipanema residential block because of the noise produced by establishments in the El Copo nightclub area of Torre del Mar between 1990 and 2003.