The Ciutat Vella district has opened 17,039 procedures since 2023, with 78% resolved favourably. The non-automatic renewal of licenses has blocked 31 establishments for repeat offences.
The Barcelona City Council, through the Ciutat Vella district, has launched an inspection strategy that closely examines repeat offenders. Since 2023, 12,780 authority files and 17,039 procedures have been opened, averaging 4,360 files annually, which is 3.5% more than in previous years. The key to success: not automatically renewing the license for those who repeatedly violate regulations.
La Rambla, the hotspot for violations
The ten areas with the most files are La Rambla, Joan de Borbó, Joaquín Costa, Via Laietana, Sant Sebastià, Hospital, Sant Miquel, Carders, Nou de la Rambla, and Escudellers. La Rambla tops the list, with a steady stream of complaints about noise, improperly placed terraces, and illegal activities. In Barceloneta, 25.49% of the files are concentrated in the seaside neighbourhood, while Raval accounts for 33.02%.
Of the total procedures, 61% are for restitution and sanctions. The restitution cases are mostly related to tourist accommodations (31.98%), construction (11.09%), and public gatherings (10.46%). As for sanctions, terraces account for 24.92% of fines, followed by tourist apartments.
License revocation, a pioneering measure
Since 2025, Ciutat Vella has taken a step further and revoked the licenses of seven venues. This year, another seven establishments are in the process of losing theirs. The measure has already received favourable judicial rulings, such as the one-year disqualification of the terrace license for two repeat offenders on La Rambla. The council has succeeded in having the courts endorse this practice, which is pioneering in Barcelona.
The non-automatic renewal of licenses, implemented since 2023, has blocked 31 establishments that accumulated repeated violations. The district councillor, Albert Batlle, has highlighted that "this strategy allows us to be more effective and not reward those who systematically violate regulations."
More inspections, more control
In total, 21,349 inspections have been carried out over three years. Of the 17,039 procedures opened, 78% have concluded with compliance orders, meaning the offender has corrected the situation or paid the fine. 74% of restitution procedures and 82% of sanctioning ones have been successfully closed. The district has optimised inspection activities with a proactive, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach, under the framework of the Pla d'Inspecció Integral Barcelona 24-27 and the Pla Endreça.
For the residents of Ciutat Vella, this translates to less noise, fewer terraces invading the pavement, and fewer illegal tourist apartments. The City Council reminds that any violations can be reported through the municipal website or by calling 010.
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