Hoi An authorities seek solution to noisy bars, diners
Authorities in Hoi An, an iconic tourist town in central Vietnam, are seeking solutions for dealing with loud music from local bars in an effort to restore a peaceful atmosphere to the vintage destination.
Located in the namesake city in Quang Nam Province, Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and has long been famous for its tranquility and unique charm.
Recent complaints by tourists, however, have local authorities worry that the destination may lose its tranquil charm due to loud music from local bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
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| Bustling bars and coffee shops on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street in Hoi An, located in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Nam. |
The Hoi An People’s Committee announced on February 7 that it will invite local bar and hotel owners to reach a common ground on ensuring that business operations at certain venues do not compromise the interests of local residents and visitors.
The meeting will be chaired by Nguyen Van Son, vice-chairman of the city’s administration and the man responsible for urban and tourism management in the locality.
According to a local official, many bars have recently been fined for breaking opening hour rules and exceeding noise limits following an inspection by local authorities.
“Several facilities have repeated their violations despite the penalties. We are focusing on dealing with this matter as many citizens and tourists have expressed their dissatisfaction,” the official continued.
Vice-chairman Son added that physical confrontations arising from late-night bars and drinking are also a growing problem in the town.
As a specific law regarding the operations of these venues has not been established, it is difficult for local authorities to impose punishments, Son elaborated.
“We are not abetting anyone,” the official asserted, adding that the administration will work to find an assertive way to resolve the situation.
There are about 100 bars and coffee shops across the ancient town, many of which feature bright lights and upbeat tunes.
The Hoi An administration has required that bars and coffee shops in the town close at midnight, while noise should be kept under a specific level.
However, few seem to abide by this requirement, at least on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, where some bars and coffee shops stay open till 2:00 am.
