Spanish hoteliers are demanding a change in local noise regulations that threaten to mute the atmosphere for England and Scotland World Cup fans in popular resorts like Benidorm, Magaluf, and Palmanova. The strict rules, which reduce the allowed decibel level on bar terraces to 55 after midnight, have sparked outrage as many key matches are scheduled to start late in the evening.
Noise Restrictions Impacting Fans
The late-night noise limit applies to pub terraces in the Little England area of Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, where thousands of fans are expected to gather to support their national teams. Many group games kick off at 10pm or 11pm Spanish time, and later matches could extend beyond the curfew, forcing fans indoors. The rules, however, only target games involving England, Scotland, Germany, and Spain in the early stages.
Hotel Association Appeals to Council
The hotel association Hosbec has written to Benidorm Council, requesting a relaxation of the decibel limitation for specific matches during the tournament. Their petition includes all three of England's Group L games against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Hosbec is asking officials to delay the noise restriction, which typically begins around 11:30pm, until the final whistle so fans can continue watching without interruption. The council has yet to respond, but expectations are high that they will agree to ease the rules.
Preparations for Influx of Fans
Benidorm is bracing for a surge in British tourists seeking sunshine and cheap lager during the World Cup. Local police chief Jose Carlos Amoros noted that tour operators have reported an 18% increase in flights between the UK and Alicante. Earlier this month, it was announced that riot police would be deployed as part of the resort's security operation. The town council also confirmed evening and night-time police reinforcements from June 11 to July 19 to manage the expected influx.
Magaluf Imposes Similar Rules
Another hotspot for England and Scotland fans, Magaluf in Majorca, has also introduced strict measures. Calvia Town Hall, which governs Magaluf, announced that terrace TVs must be muted after midnight and screens must face inward to prevent crowds from gathering in public spaces. The council warned that non-compliance would result in penalties, urging establishment owners to cooperate to maintain public safety and community coexistence.
The tension between fan enthusiasm and local regulations highlights the challenges of hosting large-scale sporting events in popular tourist destinations. As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on the councils' decisions that could shape the fan experience.
