Paceville club shut for one month for playing loud music too late

A club in Paceville has had its operational license suspended for one month after a court found it guilty of playing loud music that could be heard from outside after 11 pm.

The incident occurred during the night between February 1 and 2, when a police officer heard loud music coming from the club, Qube, located on the steps of Paceville.

As the club is located in an urban area, he warned that it would need to lower its music after 11 pm to ensure that music cannot be heard from outside. The law states that, in urban areas, music should not be heard from the street between 11 pm and 9 am.

Despite the warning, the same officer passed by hours later at 3.20 am, and he could still hear loud music being played.

As the club ignored the police officer’s initial warning, Eric Chatlani, a representative of the club, was charged with breaching these loud music regulations.

The defence argued that the case should be dismissed due to a technicality, noting that the charge sheet listed the club as being located on St George’s Street, when in fact it is situated on St Rita Steps.

However, the court rejected this argument, citing previous rulings which held that the purpose of a citation is to inform the accused of the charges brought against them.

The court noted that the club had been warned earlier that night and had been properly made aware of the charges. It also pointed out that there is only one club in Paceville called Qube, leaving no room for confusion.

The court found the club guilty and suspended its operating licence with the Malta Tourism Authority for one month, effective from last Tuesday. It also imposed a fine of €500.

A spokesperson said the club intends to appeal the case, and pointed out that according to law, Qube will remain open until the appeal is decided. 

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