Security and Urban Plan Demands

Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has formally called on Barcelona City Council to strengthen prevention and security around key nightlife areas, including Tuset Street in Sarrià - Sant Gervasi and the Otto Zutz and Enigma nightclubs in Nou Barris. Republican councilor Jordi Coronas presented the proposal during Wednesday’s Presidency commission meeting, urging the government of Mayor Jaume Collboni to act within a three-month timeframe and develop a Special Urban Plan to reorganise the city’s nightlife.

The proposal passed with support from ERC, Barcelona en Comú, and Junts, while PP and Vox voted against it and PSC abstained. It calls for the creation of a dedicated Territorial Night Unit in each district, prioritising those currently sharing units, and ensuring sufficient personnel and resources are allocated.

Personnel and Prevention Measures

ERC suggests assigning current Guardia Urbana trainees to these night units. If staffing remains insufficient, the group demands an extraordinary recruitment drive for new agents.

“What we are asking for is to make it compatible to have a vibrant city, where you can enjoy the night and at the same time be able to rest,”

said Coronas.

Junts leader Jordi Martí backed the plan, noting long-standing calls for such measures. He welcomed ERC’s shift in stance, recalling that Junts proposed a similar initiative in 2024. “When you have 500 or 1,000 people on Tuset Street, you can't get them out, no matter how much Guardia Urbana or Mossos are deployed,” he said.

Barcelona en Comú’s Jordi Rabassa stressed that nightlife management extends beyond policing, requiring mediation, inspections, cleaning, mobility planning, and venue accountability. He also requested clarification from Collboni’s executive on its promised comprehensive nightlife strategy.

Opposition and Industry Concerns

PP councilor Sonia Devesa supported increased police presence but opposed the proposal’s lack of defined staffing criteria. She questioned how resources would be allocated and criticised the Special Urban Plan for potentially imposing arbitrary restrictions on new venues, such as distance requirements from residential areas.

Vox’s Gonzalo de Oro echoed concerns over economic impact, calling the urban plan a “trap” that could suffocate the sector.

“You cannot punish entrepreneurs who comply with the law and create jobs just because this city council is unable to guarantee public order in the streets,”

he stated.

The Catalan employers’ association Fecalon also voiced alarm, warning that added regulatory pressure could burden businesses that already contribute around four million euros to civic security initiatives.

Government Response

Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle confirmed PSC’s abstention but affirmed the administration’s commitment to establishing night units in each Guardia Urbana territorial division. He noted that new recruits would be prioritised for these roles and emphasised the need for broader collaboration, including with nightlife users.

While the proposal is non-binding, the city government acknowledged the urgency and confirmed that similar measures are already in planning for near-term implementation.

Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.