Crisis in Malaga as locals worried tourists will flee after brutal five-year ban

Malaga wants to reduce noise levels in the city. (Image: Getty)

Malaga is a Spanish tourism hotspot beloved by Brits, but now there are fears of a mass exodus of holidaymakers due to a potential new ban.

The historic city centre of Malaga is bracing for a significant transformation that could see the end of a five-year prohibition on new bars and restaurants.

The city council has unveiled a €72,600 (£60,000) project to assess noise levels across the centre and the Teatinos neighbourhood.

Both areas were designated Acoustically Saturated Zones (SAZ) in 2019, halting the opening of new bars and restaurants in these tourist-heavy locations.

Restaurant owners in these bustling districts have been lobbying for the lifting of these restrictions, arguing they have stunted business growth in two of Malaga's liveliest areas.

Malaga is popular with British tourists for its nightlife. (Image: Getty)

Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, boasting around 14 million visitors last year, but this has come with a cost.

Over the summer, the city saw overtourism protests and anti-tourism campaigns, and this proposed ban would be the latest measure in cracking down on unwanted guests.

A six-month study, set to commence after December 4, will determine whether noise levels have improved since the restrictions were put in place. The findings will directly affect whether the council maintains or alters the current ban.

An external firm will be hired to carry out noise monitoring tests across the impacted streets.

The technical study will employ at least two acoustic specialists to install five permanent noise monitoring units throughout the zones, along with various other measuring equipment including five-metre-high tripods and a weather station.

The results of this assessment, which could significantly influence Malaga's future as a tourist hotspot, are anticipated by mid-2025.