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Barcelona Passes Overhauled Civility Ordinance, Tougher Fines to Start Early 2026

The vote caps months of negotiation, ushering in tougher penalties with new payment rules starting early 2026.

Overview

  • The reform cleared the city plenary with PSC, Junts and ERC in favor, PP abstaining, and BComú and Vox opposed.
  • Sanctions include up to €1,500 for street drinking in areas with minors, €1,500–€3,000 for organizing alcohol tours, and €750–€1,500 for acts that violate sexual freedom such as exhibitionism.
  • Public urination will carry €300–€1,500 depending on location, graffiti incurs €100–€600 plus cleaning costs, and dog owners must rinse pet urine or face a €300 fine.
  • Immediate-payment discounts on fines drop to a 50% maximum, a 40% reduction applies within 10 days of notification, and procedures aim to speed tourist payments.
  • Regionally, Mislata’s new coexistence rules begin 3 January with penalties up to €3,000 for vandalism, while Alicante reports 304 citations since June under its cleaning code, mostly for trash put out outside permitted hours.