Suspension of licenses for new openings
Barcelona City Council has taken the decision to suspend licenses for new commercial openings of establishments such as cannabis shops, growshops, mobile phone accessories and pedicure/manicure salons throughout the Ciutat Vella district. In addition, a specific suspension of all licenses for new commercial openings on the Rambla has been agreed. This measure is part of the revision process of the municipal activities ordinance and aims to improve the control of these activities in the city.
Validity of the restriction
According to the City Council, the restriction on new municipal licenses is valid for one year from the official publication, with the possibility of being extended for another year. This time will allow a more comprehensive regulation of commercial and economic permits to be tackled in the Ciutat Vella district (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
Creation of new headings
With this decision, new headings are added to the municipal ordinance for commercial activities. These specific headings will allow a better classification and control of new commercial openings. Among the new headings are cannabis stores or growshops, stores selling mobile phone cases and manicure and/or pedicure salons.
Protection of local trade
The purpose of suspending licenses for these types of establishments is to avoid the monoculture of economic activity focused on tourism, which endangers the uniqueness of local commerce and Barcelona’s own economic activity.
Transformation of the Rambla
In addition to the suspension of licenses on the Rambla, an urban transformation process is being carried out that will last until 2027. This process includes the renewal and stabilization of the commercial, cultural and leisure activity offer in the Rambla The suspension of new commercial openings during this period will contribute to this transformation (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).