Chile's SMA files grave charge against Iquique Pub Azotea Baquedano

Chile’s Superintendence of the Environment (SMA) issued a grave charge against Azotea Baquedano SpA, the operator of Pub Azotea Baquedano in Iquique, Tarapacá region, for repeatedly exceeding the night‑time noise emission limit. The case stems from three citizen complaints filed between September 2025 and January 2026, alleging amplified music, conversations and shouting that disturb the neighbourhood. On‑site measurements recorded a corrected sound level of 58 decibels, 13 decibels above the 45 decibel maximum allowed for zone II at night. The establishment had already faced two prior sanction procedures for noise violations in 2022 and 2025.

Under the SMA’s Organic Law, grave infractions can lead to revocation of the environmental qualification, closure of the venue or fines up to 5,000 UTAs. Valeska Muñoz, head of the SMA Regional Office in Tarapacá, said the latest inspection confirmed a new breach despite previous sanctions. The venue has 15 working days to submit a compliance program and 22 working days to file a defence.