The La Muralla residents' association has taken a stand and hired lawyer Yomara García Viera to defend the right to rest for 350 families against the noise from terraces and nightclubs on Anaga Avenue in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The battle against noise on Anaga Avenue in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is heading to court. The La Muralla residents' association has hired lawyer Yomara García Viera, a specialist in fighting noise pollution, to defend the right to rest for the 350 families living along the seafront of the Tenerife capital, either through extrajudicial means or in court.
The trigger has been the celebration of the World Cup, which has disrupted the agreed closing times. Residents report that terraces and nightclubs systematically violate regulations, generating noise levels reaching 150 decibels and vibrations that move furniture inside their homes.
A Long-standing Conflict
The La Muralla association was formed shortly after the pandemic, bringing together owners of nine buildings. Since then, they have held meetings with the mayor of Santa Cruz and with the heads of Citizen Security and the Central District. Their message has always been the same: "We want guarantees for solutions for 350 days of the year, as we already accept the week and a half of Carnival," explain resident spokespersons.
Residents claim to be resigned to the noise of Carnival, but not to the rest of the year. "We have sound measurements reaching 150 decibels, and it's not just the noise; vibrations are even recorded inside the homes: figures moving on shelves and furniture due to the vibrations," they report.
The Unfulfilled Agreement on Hours
On February 10, 2025, the City Council, residents, and entertainment business owners on Anaga Avenue reached an agreement to regulate hours. From Sunday to Thursday, terraces and bars were to close at midnight; on Fridays and Saturdays, at 2 AM. The rule affects seven terraces and ten nightclubs, which can operate until 6 AM, although with poor soundproofing.
However, the World Cup has blown up the agreement. Residents report that establishments repeatedly violate the hours, prompting the association to take the step of hiring a lawyer. "We want a lively Anaga Avenue, but maintaining the hours," they declare from La Muralla, stressing that the declaration of a Tourist Attraction Zone cannot overlook the residents.
Lawyer Yomara García Viera, originally from Las Palmas, has experience in litigation against noise. Residents hope that her intervention, first extrajudicially and then judicially if necessary, will force business owners to comply with regulations. Meanwhile, some owners have already warned that they would not allow their children to visit some of the entertainment spots in the area.
Anaga Avenue was once a reference for nightlife, but the lack of control led to the closure of all activity. Now, residents want to prevent history from repeating itself, but without giving up their right to rest. The standoff is on.
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