Music returns to the Old Town in Budva: Install independent limiters linked to the Municipal Police

The Municipality of Budva should review the Decision on Communal Order and allow the installation of loudspeakers on the terraces of catering establishments, especially in the Old Town area.

This was one of the most important topics of the joint meeting of the President of the Municipality of Budva, Nikola Jovanović, with his associates, and representatives of the Budva Catering Association, at which several topics important for the functioning of the catering industry and economy in the city were discussed.

As announced by the Association of Catering Professionals, the meeting lasted three and a half hours and took place in a very fair and constructive atmosphere.

"One of the most important topics was the initiative to review and amend the provisions of the Decision on Communal Order relating to the ban on placing loudspeakers on terraces, especially in the Old Town area. The position of caterers was that the previous situation, which lasted for years, was not adequate either, because the limiters and the 65 decibel limit were often not respected, but that the complete abolition of music during the previous year did not bring a good solution either. Therefore, it was assessed that it was necessary to find a model that would represent a compromise between the interests of citizens and the economy," the Association states.

In this regard, as stated, the possibility of allowing music again in the Old Town this year, with the mandatory use of sound limiters, was considered.

"At the suggestion of caterers, consideration was given to installing independent limiters at several locations, modeled after Dubrovnik, which would be directly connected to the Municipal Police and automatically signal any excesses of the permitted noise level. Suggestions were also made that music be unified by zones and groups of establishments, or that catering facilities located next to each other have a harmonized musical concept, in order to avoid overpowering, mixing different types of music and creating additional noise. When it comes to sound, it was proposed to use a hi-fi system without classic loudspeakers, which have been recognized as the main cause of excessive noise and large excesses of the permitted sound levels. Discussions on all these issues will continue in the coming days, in order to define the best possible solution," the Catering Association emphasizes.

One of the important topics of the meeting was the traffic regime, as well as the method of supplying catering facilities, with the aim of more efficient functioning of the economy and reducing traffic congestion.

"One of the options considered was the organization of a collection point and transshipment station behind the Post Office, from where goods would be further distributed by electric vehicles via the promenade, with a specially marked lane for their movement. The possibility of an agreement between caterers on the joint procurement of electric vehicles was also left open, while this topic will be further developed in the coming period. It was also emphasized that the deadline for delivery and supply remains until 11 am and will not be extended. When it comes to winter tourism and improving content outside the tourist season, proposals were made for the construction and revitalization of the stadium, as well as a proposal for the construction of an Olympic swimming pool, bearing in mind that swimming, diving and artistic swimming are Olympic sports," the Association points out.

Cinema and theater were also mentioned, with special emphasis on the development of sports tourism.

"The need to connect with hoteliers was highlighted in order to position Budva as a destination for sports training teams during the winter months, with adequate conditions and competitive prices. The meeting also discussed parasols, awnings and the appearance of terraces. The common position was that the current solution aesthetically contributes to the appearance of the Old Town, although it has brought additional costs to the caterers. It was concluded that all parasols should have a unique appearance, modeled on those that have already been installed and that meet urban planning and technical requirements, and the necessary approvals from the Municipality will be issued for them. The need for better organization of the work of catering facilities was also highlighted, especially in representative locations, so that working hours are coordinated. It was emphasized that it is not acceptable for certain establishments to open significantly later than others, and this issue will also be the subject of future agreements," the Association emphasized.

In the next ten days, as stated, a public call for tenders for the lease of temporary locations is expected.

"The meeting also raised the topic of defining an adequate location for a heliport on the territory of the Budva municipality, taking into account the need for a more efficient system of emergency assistance, rescue and response in emergency situations. At the end of the meeting, the Mayor of Budva and his associates were invited to support the traditional humanitarian action of voluntary blood donation organized by the Budva Catering Association, on May 9th in front of the "Mozart" restaurant in the Old Town," the Association concluded.