Public drinking ban extended 15 days further

Fines of up to €15,000 in place for those who do not comply

A group of young people enjoy drinks and food on Barcelona beach (by Miquel Codolar)
A group of young people enjoy drinks and food on Barcelona beach (by Miquel Codolar) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

August 12, 2020 01:31 PM

The Catalan government has extended the ban on public drinking for a further 15 days. The measure was brought in to curb the spread of the coronavirus among people socializing in large groups.

The rule specifically says “it is prohibited, for reasons of public health, throughout the territory of Catalonia, the shared consumption of alcoholic beverages … in spaces open to the public." 

It is up to the local councils to enforce the regulation, and fines of between €3,001-€15,000 are in place for those who do not comply with the rule. 

Licensed premises are not affected by the ban, which has come about after a report from the Catalan Public Health Agency identified 'botellón' (groups of people coming together to drink alcohol on the street) as posing a risk of spreading infection.