Barcelona suspends gambling establishment licenses while it reconsiders regulations

BarcelonaIn 2021, the Barcelona City Council, then led by Ada Colau, put forward a new Special Urban Plan for Drastically limit gambling establishments in the Catalan capital. It was established that these types of venues could not be installed within 800 meters of school boundaries or 450 meters of other facilities such as healthcare centers and libraries. In practice, this made it impossible to find a location where they could be installed. Now the Supreme Court has overturned part of this regulation, and Jaume Collboni's City Council has opted to suspend the approval of licenses while new regulations are drafted.

The suspension will be in effect for one year, extendable for another year, the council explained in a statement. Specifically, the Supreme Court has annulled the articles that defined the distances in meters between gambling venues and schools or facilities intended for young people. However, the municipal government assures that it agrees with the objectives of the restrictions of the Special Plan—which has been overturned—and has explained that it will introduce the necessary amendments so that it can be deployed "with all legal guarantees."

From the TS ruling, the council interprets that it has the legitimacy to regulate the urban planning conditions under which these types of premises are installed, but that the limitations must be well justified, proportionate, and respectful of the principles of free market and freedom of establishment, as indicated by current regulations.

New wording

Thus, the council now intends to draft a new urban planning plan that maintains "the fight against gambling addiction," with special attention to children and vulnerable groups. While the Special Plan is being revised, the suspension of licenses will remain in effect for gambling establishments, gaming halls, bingo halls, and casinos.

This suspension was published this Friday morning in Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona (BOPB) and is effective immediately.