Calvia to make a decision on noise controls on Monday

Over 100 bars owners and musicians staged a silent protest before the weekly council meeting. "These new levels are an insult to musicians and cheats the clients," the meeting was told, and leading British musician Leapy Lee said that the turnout was very good.

"It was particularly encouraging because, in the past when most of the people protesting have been British, this time there was a large turnout of local bar owners and musicians and will give the cause a much greater boost. Plus, a few people brought along the new decibel limiters and demonstrated just how restrictive they are. They went off a number of times during the meeting, sparked by people simply talking or debating. So I think the council has realised that it may have been a bit hasty with this new bylaw.

"I know they are very enthusiastic about cleaning up the resorts etc. but I think they need to be slightly more realistic. Unless the limit is lifted, it could put some bars out of business and will make life very hard for musicians."

As far as the town hall is concerned, the introduction of the new bylaw was announced three years ago by the previous administration, so the sector has had time to prepare itself. But with the deadline looming on Monday, only 40 per cent of establishments in Calvia have installed the new decibel limiters and extra sound proofing because they cost 3,000 euros.

"We just hope that the town hall sees some sense and realises the damage these extreme limits will do not only to the bars and clubs but the resorts in general."