Measures of Barcelona City Council
Last Friday, Barcelona City Council announced the suspension of licenses for new openings of cannabis stores, growshops, mobile accessories and pedicure/manicure salons in the Ciutat Vella district. In addition, a specific suspension of all licenses for new commercial openings on the Rambla was implemented.
These measures have been positively assessed by the Amics de la Rambla organisation, as they consider that they prevent the proliferation of businesses that affect the variety and balance of the city’s commercial fabric. They also point out that the suspension of licences on the Rambla can limit undesired uses.
Concern for cultural and commercial projects
However, Amics de la Rambla expresses its concern about the impact that this specific suspension may have on cultural and commercial projects related to currently empty premises. The entity requests sensitivity and special attention to those projects that represent an improvement for the territory.
Amics de la Rambla considers it necessary to draw up a new special plan for the Rambla that will facilitate the implementation of positive activities for residents and improve the commercial fabric of the area. Therefore, they support the existence of a specific Use Plan for the Rambla.
Speed in drafting the new regulations
The Amics de la Rambla entity calls for maximum speed and consensus in the drafting of the new regulations. This is due to concerns that economic activity will degrade during the process of urban transformation and renovation of the Rambla, especially due to the renovation works and the high heritage value of the empty premises.
Context of the measures
The municipal government of Barcelona has justified the suspension of licenses in commercial establishments for cannabis, mobile accessories and manicure/pedicure salons as a measure to avoid the monoculture of economic activity focused on tourism, which puts the uniqueness of local commerce at risk. proximity and the city’s own economic activity.
These measures are part of the process of urban transformation and stabilization of the commercial, cultural and leisure offer of the Rambla, which will be carried out until 2027.
