A heated row has broken out in Madrid over one of the Spanish capital's most famous attractions. Madrid's regional government wants to introduce legislation to limit opening hours. But local bar owners are furious over the plans, saying the proposals will destroy their business. From Madrid Joanna Episcipo has this report:

Deep in the heart of the Spanish capital is the area of Malasana, it was here during Spain's economic boom in the 1980's, that Madrid earned its reputation for having one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Europe.

The narrow streets of this old 18th century quarter, are still packed with bars and discotheques.

But now the authorities want to curve the excesses of the capital's round the clock nightlife. In what has become known as the war of the drinks, Madrid's regional government wants to introduce legislation that will make all bars close at two o'clock in the morning.

If the owners don't adhere, they'll be fined or sanctioned. The conservative led authorities have been supported by local residents, who are fed up with the noise and mess, left by the thousands of people who pack the area at night.

But Madrid's bar owners are furious with the proposed plans. They say it will destroy their business and argue it's also an attack on peoples liberties.

It is a serious economic and cultural issue here, there are said to be more bars concentrated in this particular area of the city, than there are in the whole of Belgium. The Christmas and New Year period, is also one of the busiest times in the year.