Temporary Reprieve After Closure Order
The 4 Latas bar in Poblenou narrowly avoided being sealed by Barcelona's Guàrdia Urbana (municipal police) at 12:00 PM on Tuesday 10th November 2026. The closure had been formally ordered by Barcelona City Council under a cease-and-desist directive issued in 2024, but the restaurant’s management requested a suspension of the enforcement, returning the matter to a judge for review. Municipal sources confirmed to Metrópoli that the judicial authority must now rule on whether the closure should proceed. The establishment, located on Rambla del Poblenou and opened in 2022, has faced ongoing legal challenges over noise levels exceeding municipal limits, as verified by acoustic measurements.
Residents and Business in Dispute
Local residents have long complained about excessive noise, particularly during evening hours, in a zone already subject to night-time operating restrictions under Barcelona City Council’s 2022 Obligatorietat de tancament en horari nocturn decree for the Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou area. The bar’s operators argue they have taken steps to comply, including submitting technical reports and upgrading their premises. However, they claim new sound measurements could not be carried out because one resident has repeatedly denied them access to conduct tests from their apartment. "We've been pursuing this neighbour for three years, and they won't let us go up to their apartment to take measurements," the business said. Neighbours counter that the bar has delayed proceedings by sending official requests to an incorrect address, which they believe was done intentionally to prolong the process.
The matter now returns to a judge, who will have to rule on whether or not to proceed with the closure of the establishment.
History of Compliance Issues
This is not the first enforcement action against a venue operated by Galera Group. In 2024, its premises on Carrer de Tuset were sealed for 60 days after exceeding permitted capacity, marking the second time the Guàrdia Urbana had intervened at that location. Barcelona City Council’s Acoustic Control Service continues to monitor noise pollution in high-impact zones, with updated measures in place since 2024 to address persistent issues in nightlife areas.
Sources: Metrópoli, Ajuntament de Barcelona.
