Mérida, Yucatán — City officials took the unusual step of shutting down a shop over a noise complaint. Or at least they thought they shut it down.
Despite the “suspended” signs plastered over its metal security shutters, the dress shop on Calle 60 at 65 still allowed customers to slip in. A hand-written orange placard invited customers to enter through a narrow door.
Although a news report in Milenio doesn’t describe the nature of the noise, many shops set up loudspeakers facing the sidewalk with promotional announcements or music.
The director of Urban Development, Aref Karam Espósitos, said the merchant was within his rights to continue trade.
“We allow them to continue their activities as the law dictates in court. You can not deny full access to these establishments,” he told Milenio.
Karam Espósitos said that noise pollution cases are common in the city center, but violators typically pay fines and continue business as usual.
Each month, about 800 administrative actions are generated against noise, construction and illegal posters in Mérida, he said.
