We Are Not Alone

Copied this from another forum but the issues the same all over
Jean Paul Mulero
Good afternoon
First, I want to introduce myself, I'm Jean Paul Mulero, Director of the office of the attention of international resident (OARI) in Torrevieja Town Hall, and as in all the cities, this issue is becoming a nightmare for our municipality. The issue is very delicate, and we are aware that, because of a few people, many are suffering in their business. After carefully studying the law imposed by the European Union in 2003, the council has tried to find ways to relax this law, and after consultations in various departments, the only solution passes through bars and neighbors engage agreements.
This council is willing to listen to your ideas and solutions, long as they are in line with the law.
I am at your entire disposal for any questions
Thank you.
Phil Hughes
I work in pretty much the same role as Jean Paul Mulero, but in Guardamar Town Hall. Firstly, he is in the unenviable position of having to take flac from everyone who isn't Spanish, which in Torrevieja is over 50,000 foreign residents. We have a mere 7,000. Please note carefully Jean's words: "we are aware that, because of a few people, many are suffering in their business"... same in Guardamar and every town one can think of. ."the only solution passes through bars and neighbors engage agreements". PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE KEY AND ONLY PHRASE that counts. The coucils are POWERLESS to overide National or European Laws, unless someone finds a loophole or inconsistency that can be jumped on. Our Council, like Torrevieja, is a music loving team. We gave licences last year to many bars, but with stipulations that were impossible to comply with on Db levels, as that's THE LAW. People who didn't like it just went to Valencia when the council failed to act on noise denuncias, so this is what you face. This problem always rears it's head in July/August... when nobody wants to sit inside... so bars think they can put music outside or have all doors wide open . Come September, it all quietens down again. If Jean Paul would like to speak to me about this I am more than happy to try and help, but as far as we see it, as councils we are ultimately powerless against National/European legislation .


A very good explanation!
So it doesn't help if we sit in our urbanisation and shout at each other and try to get things the way we want. We cannot ignore the law.

Commented reindeer keeper in La Marina 2014-08-03 11:06:05 UTC

weejohnten,
Thanks for that important piece of knowledge,I had in the past enquired about which law it was that ruining our towns.
I admire the Councillors of Torrievieha and Guardamar, for at least trying to sort out the probglems this law is causing to thousands of people.
I hope tomorrow to read that San Fulgencio will also offer assistance to join these Towns and many others (I hope) who may even try to merge as one to find a way out of this ludicrous European Law.
Torrievieha already know what the problem is and a possible way to solve it. They reckonise the same thing as other Towns do and that is, a few people upsetting the lives of many. They also say that some sort of Bar/ neighbor, meetings may help. I would love to see that happen, the problem being it will only take one person to ruin it. I have in the past stated that the police should come down harder on the time wasters who are phoning them with noise complaints, where no complaint is justified, they should themselves be prosecuted, I am sure a law exists for this if not why not get a specific one passed. Also cannot understand why Fiestas can be all nighters or are the council breaking European laws by allowing these, if they are not illegal then what was wrong with our mini fiestas which at least were noise controlled and also finished by midnight. I actually find this news as uplifting, and hopefully at some level either Local or National it will be found to be of National importance and sorted asap.

Commented Alan in La Marina 2014-08-03 12:25:15 UTC

Think someone needs to remind the Local Council where do they think they get
the majority of the Council funds from, and Actually sort the problems out.

Commented FOX160 in La Marina 2014-08-03 12:32:49 UTC

Yet again Fox 160
You have respond to perfect or (near perfect ) description of the situation. It has nothing to do with San Fulgencio Council IT IS THE LAW
Now if councils the size of Torrie & Alicante, Gaurdamar etc can't change the law what chance do we have the only way is by local agreement with bars, households & the council all of which you can forget when self interest is all that matters.

Commented Weejohnten in La Marina 2014-08-03 13:32:53 UTC

Thank you Not Jeff
In that case everyone goes down to the council as one !
But it would help if everyone moves on though's with these sound meters

Commented FOX160 in La Marina 2014-08-03 13:36:38 UTC

You obviously don't read detail only what you think you see the law is European Law Dated 2003 so March on Brussels
The only chance is for all councils on the Costa's to get together and fight this even then it's years away and by which time the damage will be done no bars and a nice quite ghost town with people going to supermarkets buying cheap booze and watching good old Brit TV just like the do in Blitey eh

Commented Weejohnten in La Marina 2014-08-03 13:43:38 UTC

LOL So your telling me that no law has been changed/modified if correctly challenged ?
Not really interested in the English thing when there LOL But I am aware of what your saying though

Commented FOX160 in La Marina 2014-08-03 13:51:28 UTC

Well done Weejon very informative.
As this law is a European Law. Then it is obviosly affecting many parts of Spain. It needs fairly quick action .
So keep in mind that each of these areas in Spain are represented at Brussels by a Politician from each of these said areas here, ie we do have a voice at the table. Then they need to get together and sumit a well worded amendment to the said law and get it tabled at Brussels. Being that it is only an amendment and not strictly new legislation it would be fairly easy to do if they planed it well enough and worked together.

Also keep in mind that this will be affecting and causing problems all across other European countries not just here.

It does seem that Gurdamar and Torrevieja are starting to at least think about answers. But they will need to gain strenghth by gathering all areas together and get there EU Reps on board and quickly.

Commented Ian in La Marina 2014-08-03 15:23:00 UTC

Actually, to précis, what he is saying is that San Fulgencio has been sticking two fingers up to European law since 2003 and granting licences (including, incredibly, ones until 4am) at their whim. Unfortunately, they were never empowered to do so; Spain is realising that it needs to do things properly now it has it's nose back in the EU trough to bail it out. I predicted this would happen many years ago; it took longer than I thought, but common sense and the rule of law is coming. The decent bars will whether this storm because they don't rely on making a quick buck in the summer from those that enjoy dubious 'talent' to draw them in. For the rest who think this will be the 'end of the Urb' - grow up. La marina was doing fine without the majority of the newer bars. Move to Benidorm if you're that worried.

Commented flagkilo in La Marina 2014-08-03 19:23:29 UTC

Actually flagkilo to precis what is being said, is that a few sad people in Spain are spoiling life for the large majority of ordinary people. If you are proud to be one of the few moaners who think they have won something, you are sadly so wrong

Commented Alan in La Marina 2014-08-03 20:35:22 UTC

Alan, once again how can you be so certain that a a few sad people in Spain are spoiling life for the large majority of ordinary people. That a large majority like bars with loud music being played outside till early morning hours. Your crystal ball? It could actually be the opposite. A few sad people grumbling in the bars.

Commented reindeer keeper in La Marina 2014-08-03 20:59:46 UTC

Alan, what are you basing your assumptions on please? There is a whole movement going on across Spain to curb nuisance noise. You call them a minority of moaners because you cannot see beyond La Marina and this forum; judging by the amount you post on the subject I suggest you wake up to whats happening outside of the nearest bar. I am really keen to hear more from the OP on what has been happening in San Fulgencio, especially regarding the original issuing of opening licences in the last ten years. I, like many others are affected by nuisance noise. I'm glad you are not, but get this; I'm not going away.

Commented flagkilo in La Marina 2014-08-03 22:49:58 UTC

Morning Flagkilo and Reindeer.
In reply to your last comments, regarding my stating that you two are in the minority of people in Spain who moan about noise in bars. If you had read the first comment on this subject, which had been copied by weejohnten and placed on this forum, It showed that two guys working for Torrievieha and Guardamar, both holding quite important council positions had said that it was the few people (for ease of understanding, I called them moaners) were in fact trying to ruin the lives of many.
Now whichever way you want to read it that says that you few moaners are a pain to the majority, So what is your problem? I think that you few moaners actually convince yourselves that you are in the majority, so sad really but you have left reality behind, and gone into a world of self belief. One day you will wake up smell the roses.and realize that life with some sound is not that bad,and although it is not your belief you will understand why people enjoy listening to music, and the strange thing is on the day you do that you will also realize that the music doesn't seem as loud as it did when you were against anyone listening to it, because on that day you would of started your first day in the real world, shame is you will then realize how much of your life you wasted.
As usual these are my thoughts, but probably agreed to, by a lot more people that agree to yours

Commented Alan in La Marina 2014-08-04 08:20:22 UTC

Alan, and the two guys working for Torrevieja and Guardamar are the only ones who know the truth? You could easily be taken for a religious preacher. If you start to believe in this you will find a better world and so on....
Just believe in the two men from Torrevieja and Guardamar! There is the truth! Hallelujah!

Commented reindeer keeper in La Marina 2014-08-04 09:08:26 UTC

Reindeer
If only you read the comments properly, and replied to what you read, perhaps your replies wouldn't sound so silly,

Commented Alan in La Marina 2014-08-04 10:51:43 UTC

Alan, this could go on for ever and ever. In your opinion my comments are silly and I have the same thoughts about your comments.
You are certain that a majority supports your beliefs and i am questioning that. I do not think a majority of the people in Spain like bars with loud music. Most of the people like to listen to music to their choice in a normal sound level. Even in Spain! That is what I think and believe.
You have called me a person who hates everything. A person who are a pain to the majority. And even more negative things.
I have tried to comment thoughts and opinions and not persons. I have called your comments silly but I have never called you silly!
This is my last comment on this thread.

Commented reindeer keeper in La Marina 2014-08-04 12:15:45 UTC

Copied this from another forum but the issues the same all over
Jean Paul Mulero
Good afternoon
First, I want to introduce myself, I'm Jean Paul Mulero, Director of the office of the attention of international resident (OARI) in Torrevieja Town Hall, and as in all the cities, this issue is becoming a nightmare for our municipality. The issue is very delicate, and we are aware that, because of a few people, many are suffering in their business. After carefully studying the law imposed by the European Union in 2003, the council has tried to find ways to relax this law, and after consultations in various departments, the only solution passes through bars and neighbors engage agreements.

This council is willing to listen to your ideas and solutions, long as they are in line with the law.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am at your entire disposal for any questions
Thank you.
Phil Hughes

I understood that the author meant that a few bar owners that were not abiding by the law were necessitating a clamp down thus ruining it for many businesses. He appears to be saying if you stay in line with the law things will be OK
I dont have any axe to grind in this debate but seem to sense many people taking the same facts and using them for opposing arguements.

Commented johnmckernanjnr in La Marina 2014-08-04 12:18:25 UTC

johnmck,
After reading your comment, It made me think that you may of hit the nail on the head ,and that I was blaming the wrong people, in putting the blame onto the few people who attempt to get music banned in pubs. I re-read the original comment, but after reading it through slowly and non blinkered. I still come to the piece that they both spoke about and that was 'we are aware that because of a few people, many are suffering, the only solution passes through bars and neighbours engage agreements'. To me this still means that the bars have to come to an agreement with the nearby householders on what is said as the main stumbling block the noise level, I also think that these men realize that it takes only one person from either side to go to a meeting intent on not agreeing to anything and the whole idea of a solution is blown out of the water, a little give and take may go a long way. If a private agreement is not met nobody wins but everybody loses. This may not be your interpretation but I believe mine is correct, but at least I did look at being shown I could be wrong

Commented Alan in La Marina 2014-08-04 13:05:08 UTC

From what i thought was a perfectly simple and clear posting at the start of this thread I again reiterate forget all the barrack room opinions that go on on this site. The law is the law I for one don't agree with it but it is the law. So having a go at one another on here achieves nothing except make the Urb look bad.
Read the words below again it is certainly unlikely to happen, but the law is firmly on the side of the quiet people(call them what you want)
."the only solution passes through bars and neighbors engage agreements"

Please note carefully Jean's words: "we are aware that, because of a few people, many are suffering in their business"... same in Guardamar and every town one can think of. ."the only solution passes through bars and neighbors engage agreements". PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE KEY AND ONLY PHRASE that counts.

Commented Weejohnten in La Marina 2014-08-04 13:17:34 UTC

So what the guy is saying is that a 'few' law abiding people are causing distress to a lot of bar owners refusing to operate within the law. How dare they! He is also abdicating responsibility for ensuring the law is enforced by agreeing to local 'arrangements' that, whilst reasonable, have not been adhered to anyway. Sorry, this is so amateurish it's unreal. Time for a total reset. Retract the 4am opening licences and make every bar reapply for music licences. If they can't prove they can operate without proving a nuisance to neighbours then they don't have music. Simple. That's the way every other EU country operates isn't it?

Oh and Alan. I don't understand much in your posts, but you seem to claim you are a music lover. When I came to Spain 25 years ago I envisioned blue skies (tick), golden beaches (tick), cheap wine and enjoyable afternoons by my pool (tick). All of which came true. At no point since then have I said: 'what I really need now is a drunk guy trying to sing Queen to brighten my day'. The addition here of these so called entertainers have done nothing to enhance my love of music I can assure you. Each to their own, of course. You enjoy, but it's not for me thanks.

Commented flagkilo in La Marina 2014-08-04 16:51:37 UTC

Having read the comments on this thread and the posts from Phil Hughes of Guadamar and Jean Paul of Torrevieja regarding the problem with noise levels from entertainment, I thought you may be interested to know that through the Face Book page set up recently "Keep Entertainment Live on The Costa Blanca" https://www.facebook.com/groups/573526356093152/?fref=ts
which was set up a short while ago to gather support for live music.
There is a meeting in Torrevieja today with John Paul and the Torrevieja Police authority to discuss the problem some bars etc are having in the town, I am sure the outcome of the meeting will be reported on the FB page above.

A petition to the Valencian Government is being prepared to request a special summer licence for entertainment on the Costa Blanca.
I would ask you all to look at the FB page and see that comments and discussions and then join if you wish and then sign the petition when it is on line later this week.

Commented ianlbosnia in La Marina 2014-08-05 15:58:23 UTC

Alan, you are correct that the law needs to be amended and we need to get together to do this.
In fact as I said in another post preparations for a major petition are in progress. This will be sent to Madrid and Brussels and not just Valencia as I said earlier. This has come about following the meeting in Torrevieja yesterday.

Again I suggest that all join the group "Keep Entertainment Live on the Costa Blanca"
Then when the petition is on-line all can sign it and have done their bit to help.

Commented ianlbosnia in La Marina 2014-08-06 05:39:39 UTC