Barcelona bans 24-hour alcohol routes across the entire city starting tomorrow, marking a significant expansion of previous restrictions.
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The city council has approved new measures that prohibit organised bar crawls and drinking tours at all hours, extending regulations previously limited to Ciutat Vella and Eixample districts.
Previously, these alcohol-focused activities were only banned during evening hours from 7pm to 7am. However, authorities discovered organisers were increasingly scheduling these events during daytime hours and throughout different seasons. Consequently, the council decided to implement a permanent, round-the-clock prohibition.
Barcelona Bans 24-Hour Alcohol Routes Enforcement
The new decree establishes penalties for anyone organising, selling or promoting these drinking circuits through bars or entertainment venues. Furthermore, all advertising and promotion of such activities through any medium is now prohibited. The regulations will be incorporated into Article 46 of the Coexistence Ordinance, which is currently undergoing updates.
Beyond preserving residents’ peace and quiet, the Barcelona City Council emphasises the measure aligns with the 1985 addiction prevention law by focusing on public health protection. The alcohol route phenomenon first gained popularity in Ciutat Vella over a decade ago, primarily driven by tourism and the concentration of entertainment venues in the area.
After the initial prohibition in that district in 2012, some activity shifted to Eixample, where restrictions came into force this past June. According to the Urban Guard, applying these measures has significantly reduced the emergence of new routes and enabled prevention through monitoring their promotion on social media.
This crackdown on organised drinking activities comes as the city continues to balance tourism management with resident welfare. Meanwhile, other public health measures are being implemented across Barcelona’s hospitality sector. The comprehensive approach demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating safer, more sustainable nightlife environments for everyone.
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