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Ibiza clubs under new noise pressures

Enter the sound of silence

Ibiza clubs are coming under new pressure from local authorities, which are now threatening to close down any venue that exceeds sound limits in one of the island's most popular corners. 

The crackdown is focussed on San Antonio, where the Space Museum and Shop was opened during summer, and is the latest move in an ongoing campaign to tackle 'uncivic behaviour'. Any address that emits noise in excess of 55 decibels by night, and 65 by day, could face fines and an uncertain future, as the powers that be look to appease local residents. 

Currently many are hitting 85.9 decibels, which is close to a Boeing 737 on final approach, or a diesel train doing 45MPH. The required levels are far quieter, with 60 decibels roughly the same as a conversation in a restaurant, and 55 along the lines of a sleepy suburb, or people talking at home.

A Special Zone of Acoustic Protection has been proposed, centred on San Antonio's West End, where clubs and bars dominate the majority of main streets. The council is also considering putting a stop to new clubs and bars opening, believing the area has reached saturation point.

This comes at the end of the island's 2017 season, which, although hugely successful, saw 16 beach clubs issued with a 'no music, no DJs' demand from authorities in the San Jose area until proper paperwork had been filed, with requirements to reduce their volume from the previous year once documentation was submitted. The neighbouring island of Mallorca has also seen a tightening of legislation in recent months.