The new coexistence ordinance of Barcelona comes into force

On Sunday, February 15, the new coexistence ordinance of Barcelona will come into force. The drafting of this new ordinance responds to requests from many associations in the city, among them Amics de La Rambla.

The new text is a necessary update after twenty years, strengthening the protection of citizens and adapting the regulation to the current reality of the city.

During this month, information will be provided to the public through a specific communication campaign that foresees, among other measures, the deployment of information staff on public streets to explain, in a direct and educational manner, the main changes that will take effect from mid-February, making it easier to understand the new regulatory framework and promoting responsible attitudes and care for shared public spaces.

The aim is to reduce incivility and ensure better coexistence in public spaces

The new text consolidates a comprehensive approach that combines prevention and shared responsibility with a more agile and effective sanctions system.

At the same time, the reform adapts the catalogue of infractions to behaviors that cause the most trouble and deteriorate coexistence, incorporating new aggravations and types to strengthen the deterrent effect. Among the main new features, noteworthy are:

• the increase of the penalty for alcohol consumption in the presence of minors or in areas with nighttime restrictions up to 1,500 euros.
• The prohibition of pub crawls and a stronger response to noise in acoustically stressed areas, with fines up to 3,000 euros.
• The aggravation of the penalty for urination in especially sensitive locations, such as narrow streets, nightlife areas, or places with public toilets, up to 750 euros.
• The penalization of not diluting animal urine on public roads, except for assistance dogs, up to 300 euros.
• It also targets the promotion or encouragement of graffiti or tags in unauthorized places, establishing not only the financial penalty but also the obligation to cover cleaning costs and any damages caused.
• The text also incorporates behaviors that violate dignity and sexual freedom in public spaces, with a specific sanctions regime for these situations.

To ensure that the regulations are truly applied and effective, the new ordinance strengthens enforcement mechanisms. Immediate notification and collection of fines are planned for non-resident offenders, for both minor and major offences, to avoid impunity and ensure fairness in the application of the regulation.

In parallel, collection processes are optimized and discounts for early payment are adjusted to increase the deterrent effect and the speediness of the sanctioning system.

The new Coexistence Ordinance is committed to prevention and education as central pillars. The text introduces educational measures to foster responsible attitudes and strengthens mediation as a tool to resolve conflicts before they result in fines.

On the other hand, on the basis of the universal application of the regulation, it will be adapted to the personal situation of each possible offender. In this sense, the offering of alternative measures to fines in cases of vulnerability is promoted, coordination with social services is improved, and support protocols are activated.

The reform is the result of an intensive participatory process and broad institutional consensus. The final text incorporates 34% of amendments submitted during the public consultation period and includes proposals from associations, organizations, institutions, and the different municipal groups, with the goal of building a city-wide ordinance.

To guarantee transparent and assessed implementation, a monitoring commission will be created with the participation of all municipal groups, meeting every two months to analyze data, listen to the different areas of the city, and adjust, if necessary, the implementation process.

This ordinance aims to maintain public space as a place of civility, respect, and plurality, protecting the majority who comply with the rules and reinforcing a city pact based on shared rights and responsibilities.