The appeal against the midnight ordinance
Venue owners in piazza Muzii, Pescara, have filed an appeal to the TAR to suspend the municipal ordinance requiring outdoor tables to be removed by midnight. Lawyer Andrea Lucchi, representing the businesses, highlights technical and administrative issues underlying the municipality’s decisions.
Concerns include abuse of power, the absence of updated noise measurements, and the use of non-compliant devices for acoustic evaluations.
Non-compliant devices and outdated noise data
The appeal points out that the devices used in piazza Muzii are class 2, whereas regulations mandate class 1 instruments, which are more accurate. This discrepancy could invalidate the recorded measurements.
Additionally, the latest data dates back to July 2023, while the Noise Reduction Plan relies on 2021 figures. Despite a noted decrease in decibels, the municipality enforced restrictive measures based on outdated readings.
Noise problems and lack of dialogue
The real issue, according to the venue owners, is anthropic noise, and they propose practical measures such as installing sound-absorbing panels. However, the technical committee established by the Plan never engaged representatives of both businesses and residents, making the decision-making process opaque.
Fabrizio Vianale of Confartigianato Pescara criticized the approach: “Representatives were only involved to hear decisions already made. These restrictions harm the local food and entertainment economy, vital for Pescara.”
Nightlife continues indoors
Despite the ordinance, the venues are not closing at midnight: indoor service remains available, keeping the city center lively and secure. Business owners call for solutions that balance nightlife with residents’ needs.
