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Barcelona bans alcohol-focused tourist routes across the city
Barcelona has taken a definitive step to eradicate the so-called pub crawls or “drinking routes”, itineraries that take groups of tourists to different bars and nightclubs to consume alcohol at reduced prices or with an open bar included in the fee.
These tours, promoted mainly online and in English, offer guided night outings, free shots and promises of “non-stop partying” at the city’s most popular venues. Until now, they had been prohibited in Ciutat Vella since 2012 and, since June, also in Eixample.
The City Council, headed by mayor Jaume Collboni, has decided to extend the ban across the entire municipal area and throughout the 24 hours of the day, initially for four years. According to the council, the aim is to protect neighbourhood coexistence, ensure rest and safeguard public health.
The decree prohibits organising, selling or carrying out these alcohol circuits, as well as promoting them or transporting participants between venues. The measure is now entering a 20-day public-information period before its final approval and entry into force.