The government's decision to significantly limit music in nightclubs and tourist venues has caused strong reactions from businesses and the artist community, who consider the measure a new blow to the entertainment and tourism sector.
Under the new noise management decision, music in bars will be subject to monitoring with decibel measurements, with the permitted level set at 45 decibels. Artists claim that this restriction makes it practically impossible to hold live performances.
Singer Endri Prifti has reacted harshly to Prime Minister Edi Rama, opposing new policies on music in public spaces.
"O Rama, where did you see this? You made life miserable for these people, you made it hell. Are you going to depopulate this country that much? You are harming tourism!", he said.
His brother, singer Stefi Prifti, has also opposed the decision, saying that the artists had hoped for an extension of the music schedule during the summer season, in line with the practices of neighboring countries.
"There was a glimmer of hope that the schedule of musical evenings could be postponed a bit, especially in the summer season. But it was simply an illusion," he wrote.
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According to Stefi Prifti, limiting the sound level to 45 decibels makes live music almost impossible. "With a level of 45 decibels, you can't perform live. It's impossible," he declared, adding that the decision affects not only singers and instrumentalists, but also businesses that invest in musical activities.
Artists argue that the summer period is one of the few times when they have greater employment opportunities, as the tourist season brings more activity in bars, hotels, and coastal areas.
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"There are only 35-40 days where this possibility exists, from July 15 to August 20. Now you are making our activity almost impossible," said Prifti. Criticism of the decision is also related to the potential impact on tourism, where according to artists, music and cultural activities are an important part of the offer for tourists.
They have asked the government and responsible institutions to review the measure, arguing that the new restrictions risk harming a sector where thousands of artists and businesses work.
"Don't paralyze even the little joy that people get from consuming something and listening to music. People need to sing, dance and have fun on their holidays," said Stefi Prifti.
