Barcelona Implements Stricter Civic Conduct Regulations with Increased Fines
City Council introduces new fines of up to €3,000 and modifies payment reduction policies to enhance urban coexistence.
The City Council of Barcelona has revised its Civic Conduct Ordinance, originally approved in 2005, leading to a more stringent regime aimed at addressing changes in urban coexistence.
The new regulations, driven by the Security Department under Albert Batlle, feature higher penalties, specific aggravating factors, and the introduction of new prohibited behaviors.
Among the prominent changes, fines of up to €700 will be imposed for public urination if restrooms are available, and fines can reach €1,500 for participating in outdoor drinking parties attended by minors.
Additionally, penalties ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 will apply to organized alcoholic beverage routes, especially in areas such as Ciutat Vella and Eixample, where such activities are banned.
The ordinance also plans to penalize graffiti tours that have recently affected metro stations.
Another significant amendment includes a reduction in the early payment discount for fines.
Where previously fines could have a 75% reduction if paid promptly, the new ordinance limits discounts to 40% or 50%, contingent on the severity of the infraction.
This adjustment is intended to maintain the deterrent nature of the fines, according to Batlle, who stated that the aim is to prevent early payments from diminishing the effectiveness of penalties.
To improve the efficiency of fine collection, particularly from non-residents of Spain, officers of the Guardia Urbana will be equipped with portable payment terminals that will allow fines to be settled at the time of notification.
While immediate payment will not be mandatory, this initiative is anticipated to decrease the number of unpaid fines.
The City Council has indicated a willingness to explore non-monetary alternatives for certain vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals.
One potential alternative being considered is for offenders to rectify the damage caused, such as cleaning graffiti.
However, this proposal requires further development due to its technical and safety implications.
This ordinance has been initially approved by the Government Commission and is now entering a phase for public commentary.
The administration led by Mayor Jaume Collboni is optimistic that the revised regulations will be fully ratified between November and December 2025.
The new regulations, driven by the Security Department under Albert Batlle, feature higher penalties, specific aggravating factors, and the introduction of new prohibited behaviors.
Among the prominent changes, fines of up to €700 will be imposed for public urination if restrooms are available, and fines can reach €1,500 for participating in outdoor drinking parties attended by minors.
Additionally, penalties ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 will apply to organized alcoholic beverage routes, especially in areas such as Ciutat Vella and Eixample, where such activities are banned.
The ordinance also plans to penalize graffiti tours that have recently affected metro stations.
Another significant amendment includes a reduction in the early payment discount for fines.
Where previously fines could have a 75% reduction if paid promptly, the new ordinance limits discounts to 40% or 50%, contingent on the severity of the infraction.
This adjustment is intended to maintain the deterrent nature of the fines, according to Batlle, who stated that the aim is to prevent early payments from diminishing the effectiveness of penalties.
To improve the efficiency of fine collection, particularly from non-residents of Spain, officers of the Guardia Urbana will be equipped with portable payment terminals that will allow fines to be settled at the time of notification.
While immediate payment will not be mandatory, this initiative is anticipated to decrease the number of unpaid fines.
The City Council has indicated a willingness to explore non-monetary alternatives for certain vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals.
One potential alternative being considered is for offenders to rectify the damage caused, such as cleaning graffiti.
However, this proposal requires further development due to its technical and safety implications.
This ordinance has been initially approved by the Government Commission and is now entering a phase for public commentary.
The administration led by Mayor Jaume Collboni is optimistic that the revised regulations will be fully ratified between November and December 2025.
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