Barcelonans exasperated by the incivility of partygoers

In the streets of Barcelona, ​​young people celebrate the end of the curfew on May 14, 2021. Europa Press via Getty Images - Europa Press News

Text by: Elise Gazengel

2 mins

In Barcelona this summer, the town hall decided to seriously tackle noise pollution.

Especially to that linked to the many parties that are back in the streets of the city after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Advertising

Read more

From our correspondent in Barcelona

The Barcelona Public Health Agency installed sound level meters a few weeks ago in several areas of the city to identify the most problematic streets and squares.

The result, published at the beginning of the summer, is clear: more than half of Barcelonans, 55%, live in constant noise that exceeds the decibels beyond which the WHO considers it dangerous for health. .

The painful return of the revelers

With the return of tourists after two calmer years, many Barcelonans are at their wit's end.

They even set up a collective and demonstrated in early August to demand that the town hall take concrete measures to help them sleep.

For example: there are those of a street in the center of the Catalan capital which today has more terraces than apartment buildings. 

A plan against noise pollution has been drawn up over 7 years (2022-2030) with, on the one hand, longer-term measures, in particular to reduce traffic noise or even offer financial aid for the soundproofing of certain apartments.

The town hall reacts

In four districts, including the historic center and the festive Gracia, bars and restaurants in several squares and streets identified as noisy in the evening will now have to close their terraces an hour earlier, i.e. 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

And even if, in return, the municipality authorizes them to put more tables during the day, this measure has angered the catering sector.

In addition, mini-markets in these areas will have to close at 10 p.m.

Nuisances don't stop at bars and restaurants

In Barcelona, ​​not all revelers go home when the bars close and often meet in the squares to drink and continue the evening in the open air.

A custom that has also grown since the pandemic.

These wild parties called “botellones” were previously liable to a fine of 30 euros (15 euros, if paid immediately), a rate that was not very dissuasive.

So for a few days, it's 100 euros minimum and up to 600 euros if you drink in the street with friends.

In one week, the municipal police have already imposed 750 such fines.

The Barcelona fiesta will be, this summer, silent or will not be.

► 

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

• Spain

• Pollution

• our selection

• Tourism