A new ruling by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has upheld a 30-day closure sanction against Ku Barcelona, the nightclub operating at the former Sotavento Club site on Barceloneta’s boardwalk, after it was found to have more than doubled its legal capacity, as El Periódico Barcelona reported.
The Ciutat Vella district manager imposed the sanction in June 2023 following an Urban Guard report that recorded 2,547 people entering the venue, despite a legal maximum of 1,301. Online ticket sales data, cited by police, showed between 1,600 and 1,700 tickets sold, already exceeding the limit.
The TSJC’s Contentious Chamber ruled the penalty was "proportionate and correctly graduated", agreeing with municipal authorities that the overcrowding posed an "evident and manifest risk" to public safety, potentially hindering emergency evacuations.
Financial and Operational Consequences
The club, located in a commercial space now owned by Hotel Arts following an auction, estimated €1.8 million in lost revenue and impact on 101 staff if the closure is enforced. Despite rebranding to Ku Barcelona, the City Council confirms the operating licence remains registered to Lounge Sotavento, SL, the original licensee, allowing enforcement to proceed.
The excess capacity could have created a bottleneck, hindering exit for customers furthest from emergency exits.
Municipal sources say the ruling strengthens the city’s position, pending any appeal to the Supreme Court. The case recalls the 2012 Madrid Arena tragedy, where overcrowding led to five deaths.
Wider Nightlife Sector in Limbo
Front Marítim nightclubs, including Opium and Shôko, continue under a temporary extension agreement with the Ministry of Finance, which owns the premises. Fecasarm, the employers’ association, says coexistence issues have eased, opposing relocation of the nightlife hub.
Sources: El Periódico.
