Mérida, Yucatán — City Hall is finalizing details of its new noise regulations, which could be approved sometime this week, said a local councilman.
Mauricio Díaz Montalvo pointedly told Reporteros Hoy that only “minimal details” remain to be tweaked in rules to contain noise from nightclubs and bars.
Centro residents have been in a pitched battle against new establishments that have made sleep difficult in the wee hours of the morning. The city has encouraged nightlife in parts of the Centro Histórico that were fairly sleepy a few years ago.
At first, complaints were dismissed or ignored by officials, residents said. Only recently has a grass-roots campaign against the noise gained traction.
“At this time, the Government Directorate is fine-tuning the legal details, as aspects of the sanitary order have been modified, adhering to state legislation, and all shops are expected to respond to this regulation, making improvements and modifications so that the acoustic emissions are in established hours and with decibels adequate to allow the coexistence of all parties,” said Díaz Montalvo.
The PAN leader explained that this regulation exclusively includes bars, cantinas, convenience stores, nightclubs and karaokes shows with live or recorded music. It is not expected to cover celebrations in private homes.
“The new regulation modifies the classification for these businesses, so that those who receive permits from the city must meet specific standards for its operation,” he said.
The regulations aren’t intended to drive out the Centro’s new nightclubs, said Díaz Montalvo.
“We have listened to the demands of both parties, both the residents of the Historic Center and hoteliers, as well as the owners of these nightclubs, cantinas, bars and commercial stores and the parties are expected to have space, adhering to the standards of acoustic emission that there is in the federal and state branch,” he said.
The municipal authorities, he said, are aware of the needs of both parties and are looking for everyone to have a space of coexistence in the Historic Center.
“They are sources of employment, resources and spaces of coexistence that should continue to work, but following stricter conditions to generate the spaces of work and quality of life that all deserve.”
Source: Reporteros Hoy
