Barcelona launches a specialised inspection team to curb the rapid expansion of 24-hour supermarkets across the city.
The move, approved in a municipal plenary session, aims to tackle a surge in new openings and detect widespread irregularities.
Councillors have expressed growing concern about the impact on local neighbourhoods.
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Furthermore, they argue these stores are altering commercial districts and public life.
Barcelona Launches Inspection Team To Address Proliferation
According to the proposal from the ERC municipal group, a new 24-hour supermarket has opened in Barcelona every two to three days in recent years. Consequently, the city council has pledged to create a dedicated team to regulate these establishments.
The team will conduct checks on licences, public health, food safety, and urban landscape compliance. Additionally, inspections will occur during effective time slots, including nights and weekends.
ERC councillor Jordi Coronas highlighted that municipal inspections have uncovered more than 2,700 irregularities in the last two years alone. Therefore, the new plan seeks to address serious issues like electrical fraud, potential labour exploitation, and regulatory breaches.
This regulatory push comes amid broader debates about commercial life in the city. For instance, Barcelona has previously resisted pressure to liberalise Sunday trading hours, prioritising local commerce over constant convenience.
The political agreement, backed by the government, Junts, and BComú, frames the measure within a special city-wide urban plan. Meanwhile, the PP abstained and Vox voted against the proposal.
Cross-Party Concerns Over Commercial ‘Predators’
Councillors from multiple parties have voiced strong criticisms of the current trend. Junts councillor Damià Calvet described the supermarkets as “predators of the city’s commercial soul,” arguing that inspection and fines alone are insufficient.
Similarly, BComú’s Pau González emphasised the need for regulation to protect neighbourhood shops from franchises. Deputy Mayor Raquel Gil agreed, stating that 24-hour supermarkets “do not represent Barcelona’s city model.”
However, opposition views differed. PP councillor Sonia Devesa acknowledged the need for more inspections but warned of “excessive regulation” that could infringe on business freedom. Vox’s Liberto Senderos argued the real problem is the council’s failure to enforce existing rules.
The ERC proposition also mandates the Collboni government to present a detailed city diagnosis within six months. This report must include a neighbourhood map of supermarket concentrations, licence evolution data, and inspection results.
Moreover, it will identify areas of saturation or risk within the Catalan capital. The plan also envisages reinforced joint actions with Labour and Tax Inspectorates on labour exploitation, workers’ rights, and taxation.
Finally, it aims to establish referral and action protocols for suspected human trafficking or other serious violations. This comprehensive approach shows Barcelona is taking a firm stance on regulating its commercial landscape.
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