The former Draco nightclub on Calle de Alegre de Dalt in Barcelona's Gràcia district has reopened as Salma, with new commercial directors promising to transform its troubled reputation and foster peace with local residents. This change comes after years of complaints and recent violent incidents at the venue, historically known as KGB.
Santiago Tallone, one of the new directors, stated, "Salma means peace, tranquillity, values that defined that nightclub, which was friendly, open-air, and that is somewhat what we propose in Alegre de Dalt: to transmit peace and have harmony with the neighbours." He and co-director Carlos Kotsuko aim for a swift change. They want neighbours "to go from hating the nightclub to feeling it belongs to the neighbourhood." This shift is crucial for residents in the densely populated Gràcia district, home to approximately 120,000 people. Many residents value the area's quiet, village-like atmosphere, making persistent nightlife disturbances particularly impactful.
The venue, located at number 55 on Calle de Alegre de Dalt, has a long history of operating under various names, including Canela and the iconic KGB. For years, it has been a significant source of contention for local residents, who report numerous disturbances. These issues have ranged from noise complaints to public disorder. The most recent notable incident occurred on March 16, when a large street fight outside the club involved individuals reportedly carrying a machete and a pistol. This violence underscores the severity of the issues the new management faces in a residential area.
Legal Challenges and Licensing Scrutiny
The nightclub also faces an ongoing legal dispute with the property owner, the real estate company Núñez i Navarro. The company has sought a judicial eviction for years, aiming to reclaim the premises. The authorities subsequently postponed an eviction order, initially set for February 19, 2025. Despite this uncertainty, Tallone and Kotsuko acknowledge the potential for a future eviction. They confirm their commitment to improving the club's operation while they remain in charge, understanding their tenure might be limited.
The current license holder is Setraspa, a company linked to the Llobet family, who previously owned the historic KGB. The Gràcia district council has previously sealed the premises due to concerns over the legality of the license holder not participating in management. This legal grey area has caused past operational disruptions. The district council now confirms it will officially inspect the current situation. Officials will verify if the new commercial directors operate within regulations and if the license holder actively participates in management. Tallone and Kotsuko, who are event organisers and run a marketing company, have not made a significant investment. They plan to share a percentage of the profits with the property owner in exchange for managing daily operations.
New Management's Strategy for Neighbourhood Harmony
The new directors believe their operational approach will quickly make a positive difference. They intend to attract an older clientele, specifically those over 25 years old. They argue that this age group inherently leads to fewer conflicts and a more respectful atmosphere. Additionally, they emphasise their commitment to employing highly professional security personnel. These staff members will avoid aggressive methods, aiming to de-escalate situations peacefully and maintain order.
The new Salma nightclub began operations approximately one week ago and will continue this Saturday, April 20. In May, they plan to open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Thursday evenings will feature bachata sessions, inviting various Barcelona dance schools to participate. Neighbours are welcome to attend a free class, fostering community engagement. The club will operate as a traditional nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a diverse entertainment schedule.
Future Plans and Ongoing Dialogue
If their plans succeed and they remain at Salma beyond September, the directors intend to offer regular dance classes for local residents. These classes would run from Monday to Thursday afternoons, further integrating the venue into the community's daily life. Carlos Kotsuko affirmed their commitment to open dialogue with the neighbourhood. He stated, "We are totally open to maintaining dialogue with the neighbours and having maximum peace in the neighbourhood. Faced with the slightest concern, we are here to solve problems."
The new management also faces the immediate challenge of three remaining parties scheduled by the previous operators. Two of these events will occur in May, with one more in June. Tallone and Kotsuko have pledged to double security for these specific dates. They aim to ensure these events proceed without incident, demonstrating their commitment to neighbourhood peace from the outset of their tenure.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
