Merida, Yucatan — La Música NO es Ruido. Music is NOT noise.
That was the theme of today’s protest march in reaction to Merida’s crackdown on late-night nightclub noise.
The city has closed several bars and music venues that apparently ignored new regulations requiring sound proofing and limits on live music.
Even before the closures, musicians and their allies haven’t question the law so much as they challenged the way it’s been enforced. They question how inspectors are measuring decibel levels, and whether they are placing their microphones inside or outside the premises.
The DeLorean closing was particularly painful. The club had a packed schedule of international performers, protestors said. But like many other venues, the stage was outside and offered no soundproofing to protect residences next door.
Today’s march began at 11 a.m., starting at the Palacio de la Musica and ending at city hall.
Musicians such as Iván Martínez de Censurado, Emiliano Buenfil of Chancil Tropical, Marcelino Martín of Jam Gorila and Vinnie Luis sang and chanted, vowing to return Wednesday with a signed petition.
The city reports 840 inspections that ended in 32 warnings and four closures. Fines range from 8,500 pesos to 250,000 pesos, around US$12,000.
Night clubs that attract large crowds have popped up in close proximity to private homes in the Centro and in some neighborhood in the north. They remain open until early mornings, disturbing residents’ sleep.
But the bar’s supporters say the city center should be a vibrant place to live and note that the bars are good for the economy.
With information from La Verdad