The Administrative and Tax Court of Braga dismissed the precautionary measure that sought to prevent the operation of bars in the Sé area until 4 AM, with loudspeakers in the streets, during the White Night, which takes place from this Friday to Sunday. The precautionary measure was filed by the Union of Parishes of Braga (Maximinos, Sé, and Cividade), in defense of the right to quiet for residents. The action was contested by the Municipal Chamber of Braga, which argued that the bars must always comply with noise regulations and that any non-compliance will be penalized.
For the municipality, if noise enters through the windows and doors of the homes, it is due to the poor acoustic insulation of the buildings. Conditions for which, it adds, it cannot be blamed. In opposition to the action, the municipality also pointed out the “substantial damages” to the revenue of the bars in question, with losses that could be crucial for their survival.
The court, in a decision this Friday, dismissed the precautionary measure, emphasizing that the alleged harmful situation for residents is not new, but began in 2015, as claimed by the authors of the action. Thus, the ruling states that there is no risk of a fait accompli, and the harmful situation can be addressed through future intervention by the court.
The 2024 edition of the White Night kicks off this Friday and runs until Sunday, featuring Pedro Abrunhosa, Carminho, and Bárbara Bandeira on the lineup. Across the six stages scattered throughout the city, Os Quatro e Meia, Bispo, Van Zee, Wet Bed Gang, Deejay Telio, and Daniel Pereira de Cristo will also perform. In total, there will be more than 48 hours of programming and over 170 cultural moments.