Barcelona's citywide pub crawl ban comes into force

The ban on pub crawls across the city of Barcelona came into force on Wednesday.

The city council says the measure aims to promote coexistence, protect residents' right to sleep and safeguard public health.

Until now, pub crawls were banned at night in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) and Eixample districts. The new decree expands the ban citywide 24 hours a day.

Under the new rules, it will be prohibited, throughout the city and at all hours of the day, to organize, sell or take part in pub crawls, involving visits to multiple bars or entertainment venues for the main purpose of continuous alcohol consumption.

The decree also bans the promotion or advertising of pub crawls through any means.

Barcelona first introduced a localized pub crawl ban in the Ciutat Vella in 2012, followed by Eixample in June 2025.

Those decrees applied between 7 pm and 7 am, aimed at reducing disturbances at night.

According to the city council, pub crawls take place throughout the year and at various times of day. The new decree therefore establishes a permanent, 24-hour prohibition, rather than a seasonal or time-limited one.

Organized pub crawls in Barcelona began in Ciutat Vella, fuelled by a high concentration of tourists, bars willing to participate, and nightlife options catering to such groups.

When restrictions were introduced in the Old Town, there was a noticeable shift to the Eixample district.

According to data from local police, the Guàrdia Urbana, banning pub crawls has proved effective, with early detection of online advertising via social media playing a key role.