Barcelona City Council has extended a policy allowing shops in designated tourist areas to open on Sundays and public holidays. This measure will remain in effect from mid-May to mid-September until 2026. This decision comes despite significant opposition from a majority of local merchants. The first Sunday for extended opening hours in the current period was 17 May.

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The City Council provided data to Tot Barcelona, revealing that six out of ten Barcelona merchants oppose opening on these days. Furthermore, only 32% of businesses report increased profits from operating during these extended hours. A substantial 42.6% of establishments indicate that their income merely covers costs, while 22.1% believe they lose money by opening.

Council Extends Opening Policy

The policy, initially implemented in 2022, permits establishments in specific districts like Ciutat Vella and the Eixample, along with other designated Tourist Influx Zones, to open during the four-month period. This timeframe coincides with a high presence of tourists in the Catalan capital. The City Council extended this measure until 2026. This follows the retail sector’s failure to reach a new agreement. The previous four-year pact concluded in 2025.

Merchant Opposition and Economic Impact

The extension primarily benefits shopping centres and larger retail spaces exceeding 300 square metres. Approximately 95% of these larger establishments already operate almost all year round. Pròsper Puig, president of Fundació Barcelona Comerç, stated, “Commercial establishments already open enough months a year on public holidays.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among smaller, independent businesses.

Despite the option to open, only 35% to 40% of businesses in the Tourist Influx Zones actually do so. This percentage remains consistent in districts such as the Eixample, home to over 260,000 residents. However, the figure rises significantly in Ciutat Vella, where 58.6% of establishments operate on Sundays and public holidays from May to September. Merchants primarily manage these extended hours by redistributing staff schedules, a solution adopted by 51.7% of businesses, according to the City Council.

Divergent Views Among Business Associations

Commercial associations hold very different positions on the matter. While Fundació Barcelona Comerç expresses satisfaction with current opening hours, Barcelona Oberta advocates for further liberalisation. Elvira Garcia i Simon, Director General of Barcelona Oberta, argues for opening every Sunday. Her association represents central commercial hubs, shopping centres, and large retailers. If this is not feasible, the association proposes opening from Easter to All Saints’ Day. Ms Garcia i Simon stated, “This would allow for longer staff contracts and guarantee greater job stability.”

Municipal data from May to August 2025 shows retailers signed 22,514 contracts in Barcelona’s retail sector. Between 2021 and 2025, permanent contracts in the sector increased by over 150% during this period. They accounted for more than 55% of all new contracts. Meanwhile, temporary employment saw a reduction. This trend suggests a move towards more stable employment within the retail sector, potentially influenced by policies like extended opening hours.

The ongoing debate highlights the challenge Barcelona faces in balancing the needs of its vital tourism industry with the interests of local businesses and their employees. The extension provides continuity for the next two years, but the underlying disagreements between commercial entities suggest the discussion over Sunday and public holiday opening hours will continue beyond 2026.

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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.