Barcelona's Eixample district bans pub crawls from June 1

Barcelona is to introduce a ban on pub crawls in the city's Eixample district from June 1.

The ban will be in place for two years initially, with advertising pub crawls also forbidden.

The measure is being brought in as the city believes pub crawls to be "incompatible with community harmony and residents' rest."  

The mayoral decree will "completely restrict the promotion, organization and execution of organized routes for the purpose of alcohol consumption between public establishments in the district, in the time slot from 7:00 pm. to 7:00 am," according to the city council.

It also prohibits "any type of advertising of these activities."

The ban in the Eixample district, known for its distinctive grid layout and Catalan modernist architecture, follows the example of a similar decree that has been in effect in the city's old town – the Ciutat Vella district – since 2012, in force until at least 2028. 

Justifying the measure, the council cites "the risk posed by the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, especially in relation to its impact on specific public spaces in the district, notably high-tension areas such as green corridors or zones with a high concentration of nightlife establishments, like the area around Enric Granados. This results in disturbances and complaints from the public."

High numbers of tourists are another reason given by the council for the pub crawl ban, "with the aim of "preventing certain tourism operators, in collaboration with specific establishments, from promoting activities that negatively affect the city's image and the quality of life in local neighborhoods." 

There is a 20-day public consultation period for any objections. The measure is set to come into effect on June 1.

366 sanctions

Barcelona City Council also reported that in 2023 and 2024, 366 sanction procedures were initiated related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Eixample district.

The council stated that they are taking steps to more effectively control the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly with regard to minors and outside of authorized hours.