Barcelona Strengthens Public Order as New Alcohol Ban Takes Effect
As August draws to a close and Barcelona prepares for the start of the academic year and the major La Mercè festival, the city government has officially implemented an updated Public Civility Ordinance. The regulation aims to strictly control alcohol consumption in public spaces, particularly the street-drinking phenomenon known as ‘botellón,’ to mitigate related noise complaints and sanitation issues.
Core of the New Rules: Targeting Groups of Three or More
The key change in this revision is the stricter and more specific definition of violations. According to Article 46 of the new Public Civility Ordinance, any alcohol consumption in unauthorized public spaces that seriously disrupts public tranquility is illegal. For the first time, the new rule explicitly defines group drinking by three or more people as a primary target for enforcement, allowing officers to issue fines directly for such activities.
Furthermore, the following are considered aggravating circumstances:
- Disturbing neighbors’ rest at night.
- Drinking in areas designated by the government as special noise control zones at night.
- Drinking in sensitive areas prone to large-scale binge drinking gatherings.
Tiered Fines: Up to €1,500
The new regulation establishes a clear tiered system for fines to reflect the severity of different offenses:
- Minor Offenses: For general violations of public drinking rules, fines are set between €100 and €600.
- Serious Offenses: If drinking occurs where minors are present, or in places that might encourage underage drinking (such as near schools or parks), the offense is classified as serious. Fines for such violations are significantly increased to a range of €750 to €1,500.
Legal Drinking Areas and Reminders
The ordinance does not impose a blanket ban on all outdoor drinking. Residents and tourists can still enjoy alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments. Areas not restricted by the new rules include:
- Outdoor terraces (‘terrazas’) of legally licensed restaurants or bars.
- Authorized outdoor seating areas.
- Venues for officially sanctioned festivals and events.
Officials advise the public, especially during major celebrations like the La Mercè festival, to avoid gathering in groups to drink in non-designated areas such as beaches, parks, or streets, to prevent facing hefty fines on a whim.
