Nightlife in Gran Canaria's popular tourist areas, particularly Maspalomas, continues to generate complaints and concerns from residents and holidaymakers. While noise problems have long been a primary issue, a new controversy has emerged: the presence of minors in nightclubs selling alcoholic beverages, in clear violation of local laws.
In a police operation during the early hours of Sunday morning, the National Police identified 42 minors at two nightclubs in the bustling Plaza de Maspalomas shopping centre in Playa del Inglés, a key area in Maspalomas within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
According to reports from Canarias7, eight minors were found in one venue, Caserío, while another 34 were discovered in a second establishment, Panamá. Laws state that people aged 16 and 17 can be waiters and waitresses but no-one under the age of 18 is legally allowed to pour or sell alcoholic drinks.
The police intervention, which took place between 2:15am and 4:45am, was part of a broader initiative aimed at targeting drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Ongoing Noise Complaints
This issue of underage staff adds to the long-standing problem of noise pollution from Maspalomas' nightlife venues. Nearby hotels and residents frequently lodge complaints about loud music and disturbances that continue into the early hours, further complicating the area's reputation as a tourist destination.
Authorities recently closed two clubs in the same area following complaints from a local hotel and nearby residents. However, these closures have not resolved all concerns, as other establishments continue to operate without adequately meeting noise regulations.
Balancing Tourism and Community Needs
The situation highlights the tension between maintaining a vibrant nightlife scene to attract holidaymakers and ensuring compliance with legal and social norms to protect community well-being. Local authorities are under increasing pressure to enforce stricter regulations and carry out more frequent inspections to address these dual challenges.
Efforts to mitigate these issues will likely require enhanced collaboration between the police, business owners, and the local government to ensure Maspalomas remains an attractive yet orderly destination for visitors and residents alike.
