Barcelona City Council is set to introduce mandatory training for staff at gay-oriented saunas and clubs to address the growing public health concerns surrounding ‘chemsex’. The new measure will require workers in these venues to be proficient in first aid and specific protocols for handling drug intoxications, mental health crises, and potential sexual assaults.
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This initiative is a cornerstone of the new Coordinated Response to the ‘Chemsex’ Phenomenon in Barcelona 2025-2028, a comprehensive programme developed by the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB). The programme aims to provide a cross-sectoral response to a complex issue intersecting sexual health, drug addiction, and social vulnerability, as reported by Metrópoli Abierta.
A Post-Pandemic Rise in Risky Practices
The term ‘chemsex’, also known as ‘Party and Play’, describes extended sexual encounters, sometimes lasting several days, under the influence of psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine. Health professionals have noted a significant increase in this practice since the end of the pandemic.
Medical experts warn that the trend is a major driver for the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is also linked to severe psychiatric problems and can precipitate long-term addiction. While the vast majority of these sessions occur in private settings like homes and hotel rooms, the issue is becoming more visible in public spaces.
Authorities have identified a minority of cases involving extreme vulnerability, including homeless individuals engaging in ‘chemsex’ in secluded areas such as the slopes of Montjuïc mountain. Residents have previously raised safety concerns in this area, following a series of assaults.
A Multi-Faceted Public Health Strategy
The city’s plan extends far beyond nightlife venues, aiming to tackle the phenomenon without stigmatising Barcelona’s LGTBQI+ community. Clinically, the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut) will bolster its support network. It plans to hire sexology professionals to work within the city’s Drug Addiction Attention and Monitoring Centres (CAS), which see a high influx of the affected population.
Prevention efforts are also moving into the digital realm. The administration plans to send targeted prevention and alert messages through popular dating and hook-up apps used by the community. This follows a wider strategy seen in national and EU-level policy proposals to use modern communication channels for public health outreach.
Furthermore, the plan aims to unify protocols for security forces and institutions. This ensures that any ‘chemsex’-related crisis or conflict is primarily approached from a public health perspective, rather than a purely punitive one. This comes as police continue to dismantle networks supplying drugs for these purposes, such as a recent case where a gang was arrested for selling chemsex drugs from Eixample tourist flats.
Public Awareness and Support
To complete the strategy, the council is developing a public information guide. This document will explain what ‘chemsex’ is, its impact on physical and mental health, and the steps to take to seek professional help. It will be distributed widely and complemented by street-level campaigns at festivals, workshops, and informational talks across Barcelona.
The municipal plan will support the ongoing work of established non-governmental organisations that provide crucial services to the community. Groups like ONG Stop, BCN Checkpoint, and Energy Control already offer specialised support, counselling, and harm reduction advice for individuals concerned about ‘chemsex’.
