Merida, Yucatan — A nightclub that stages nighttime rock and hiphop concerts in its backyard, which is adjacent to private homes, is one of six shut down this weekend.
The DeLorean Santuario Sonoro, or “Sound Sanctuary,” in Itzimna, had a steady lineup of live music. But on Saturday afternoon, management posted a message on social media indicating they were closing in response to the city’s new noise regulations limiting decibel levels that are audible in neighboring residences.
Another bar, La Pulquerida in the former Flor de Santiago on Calle 70, was also forced to close, as was the gay disco PK2 on Calle 56, Bar Presunta (address not reported) and Pipiripau and Espacios Mayas, both on 62 near 55.
The DeLorean’s notice drew hundreds of responses on Facebook, many in sympathy with the nightclub.
“I am an audio technician with international experience,” responded one follower on Facebook, “in case you are looking for someone to work in your concerts or events.”
Federico Sauri Molina, head of the Urban Development department, said the music venues were shut down after inspectors arrived 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in response to repeated complaints from neighbors.
“On Friday there were three bars, last night another three … it is not desirable, but our commitment is to attack the noise problem thoroughly,” said Sauri Molina.
The official also vowed to extend noise inspections to new neighborhoods, particularly in the north, where late-night clubs have disturbed residents’ rest.
The joint program by Urban Development and the Municipal Police will also address the issue of the loudspeakers that a large number of shops install at their doors because they believe that the racket attracts shoppers.
Before the crackdown, the clubs had done nothing to respond to the new regulations, apparently waiting to see if city officials would actually enforce them.
The anti-noise ordinance, approved two months ago, prohibits decibel levels exceeding 65 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. But some bars were at 110 decibels.
The clubs can re-open once they comply, but can be fined and closed for good if they become repeat offenders. Officials did not say if the bar owners faced financial penalties for the most recent infractions.
According to Mayor Renán Barrera Concha, 36 businesses have had their licenses suspended so far this year under noise crackdowns.
With information from El Diario