In 2008, Vélez-Málaga Council was ordered to pay over five million euros compensation to 18 local residents in the El Copo area of Torre del Mar after ignoring complaints of excessive noise from bars and clubs for more than a decade. This has become known as the ‘Ipanema case’, and it has made other municipalities wary of ignoring complaints relating to noise.
During the past five years or so, Nerja Council has been seen to be acting upon complaints by local residents, particularly in the areas of Plaza Tutti Frutti, calle Chaparil and calle Antonio Millón. fearful of becoming embroiled in a new ‘Ipanema case’.
During this period, half a dozen temporary closures have been enacted on the grounds of excessive noise, culminating, at the end of April, with the enforced closure of Nerja’s number one nightclub ‘Jimmy’s’ in calle Antonio Millón.
Apparently, following several complaints, municipal technicians detected noise levels six decibels above the maximum permitted under Decree 6/2012 and ordered the immediate closure of this basement facility. Disciplinary proceedings have also been started which could see the owners of the club fined a minimum of €12,500.
It is reported that the problems arose after the renewal, at the request of the Council, of the air conditioning system in the club.
Jimmy’s, a popular nightclub located in a basement in calle Antonio Millón, has been operating for over thirty years, ostensibly during the tourist season, which has already started. However, the owners of the club remain optimistic that the problems can be resolved and are hoping to reopen the establishment very shortly.