Alternative measures under review
Barcelona City Council is developing a protocol to offer alternatives to financial penalties for breaches of the city’s coexistence ordinance, with options including Catalan language training and literacy programmes. The move particularly targets groups such as informal beach masseuses, who have been the subject of repeated complaints. The initiative forms part of ongoing revisions to the ordinance, which was last updated in January 2026 to strengthen rules on public behaviour, increase fines for certain offences, and improve enforcement, especially for non-residents. However, the new protocol on alternatives to fines is not yet finalised, according to municipal sources.
ERC-backed reforms focus on education
The proposed changes respond to conditions set by the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), which has pushed for a stronger focus on preventive and educational measures. In a December 2025 document submitted to the council, ERC called for a robust system of alternative sanctions beyond monetary fines, citing their limited effectiveness, particularly among those unable to pay. The party emphasised that alternatives such as mediation and educational programmes have proven more effective in reducing repeat offences and supporting social reintegration. The current draft includes plans for an orientation service on drug and alcohol use aimed at minors and young people up to age 21.
The goal is to combine rule enforcement with tools that raise awareness, correct behaviour, and prevent recurrence, while identifying situations of vulnerability.
Under the proposed framework, the council would take a proactive role in informing individuals of available alternatives and guiding them toward appropriate support measures. The revised coexistence ordinance already includes provisions for mediation and alternative sanctions for vulnerable people, coordinated with social services.
Next steps
While the general direction of the protocol has been presented, the final text remains under development. The council’s broader coexistence reforms, approved in January 2026, incorporated 34% of amendments proposed during public consultation and established a bi-monthly monitoring commission with input from all political groups.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by larazon.es, La Razón Cataluña.
