Tourist flow in Nafplio and especially in the old town, it is growing exponentially, resulting in an increase in the number of restaurants. But when “cafes” turn into entertainment centers with loudspeakers on the cobblestones, permanent residents cannot live in their homes.

“The music sounds like bands are playing in our living room. Our house was built in 1770. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to insulate or change wooden windows to avoid noise. We stand wall to wall with a store that plays music, often live, until 3 am. Even when it’s closed, employees gather noisily, throwing bottles and screaming.” With these words, the actress-director Miss Gajiu describes a “symbiosis” with an entertainment center operating between the walls of her house. mr. Pavlos Stavroulakis whose house is next to a shop, when he sees a lot of people in Nafplio, especially on weekends, he prefers to come to Athens. “At night we wake up as if the music is playing in our house,” he says.

Municipal Permit

This particular business opened about two years ago when the problems started. Ms. Gaziou, in cooperation with other residents, has submitted a request to the Nafplio municipality, which is responsible for issuing licenses, to revoke the music license, which allows playing music until 3 am. “The permission is given without taking into account the residents of the area, who are all workers and staying awake is unthinkable for them,” the municipality said in a statement. “On the days when live bands are brought in, then it’s hell,” he explains.

Mayor of Nafplion Dimitris Kosturos emphasizes that the municipality is responsible for issuing permits, but not for enforcing their provisions. “The municipality does not give permission to disturb or make noise. This gives permission for music at a volume that does not disturb the occupants. We should not equate music licensing with noise pollution.” notes on “K” and emphasizes that in case of noise pollution, residents can call the police. Neighbors called the police many times, but when they arrive, no violations are found. “The shop license says that the music is without speakers, and they put it on the transom. And it makes sense, since it works until dawn, and the people who go there go to bed after the music. However, there are also external loudspeakers,” Ms. Gadziou explains. As for whether the music exceeds legal limits, he explains that “even if it does not exceed them – which is impossible – should not the impossibility of soundproofing old buildings be taken into account?”