Barcelona to study ban on 'offensive' tourist souvenirs

The proliferation of souvenir shops in Barcelona, especially in Ciutat Vella, has prompted the local government to seek regulation.  

On Wednesday, the city council's economic commission approved a motion by pro-independence party Esquerra to study a ban on "offensive" souvenirs.  

The measure is aimed specifically at tourist products with "homophobic or sexist" content that the party says "degrade the image" of the city. 

Esquerra councillor Jordi Coronas gave some examples of these souvenirs, which are easy to spot when strolling through Ciutat Vella, such as "penises with 'Barcelona' branded on them, or T-shirts with sexist and homophobic messages". 

Coronas explained that the new regulation will aim to ban these "tacky and tasteless messages that degrade Barcelona's image as a tourist destination". 

Economy deputy mayor Jordi Valls agreed with Coronas and promised that the government, led by mayor Jaume Collboni, would study ways to prevent the display of degrading souvenirs. 

Valls cautioned, however, that regulating this issue is challenging because current regulations "do not set any criteria" regarding the content or aesthetic quality of souvenirs.   

"It is difficult to regulate because what is considered in bad taste is very subjective," he said.