Barcelona's largest illegal terrace reappears after years of closure: "They have privatized the street"

The largest illegal terrace in Barcelona has been reinstalled after years of absence, sparking renewed controversy among locals and authorities. Located in the narrow alleyway of the Gothic Quarter, near the street Trinitat, this unauthorized outdoor dining space has once again become a focal point of contention between the city's administration and the restaurant owners behind it. The establishment, known as Avinyó 10, has set up 20 tables in the confined passage, which is considered one of the most heavily trafficked areas of the historic district. Despite previous efforts by the city council to remove such structures, the terrace has returned, operating without the required permits.

The situation came to light when municipal workers were seen removing tables during a similar incident in 2022, but this time the installation appears to have been carried out more permanently. According to reports, the restaurant continues to operate without legal authorization, despite having faced past sanctions. Local officials from the Ciutat Vella district confirmed that they recently conducted an inspection and found the lack of necessary licenses. As a result, they have initiated a formal procedure that could lead to the removal of the terrace. However, some residents feel that the process is too slow, allowing the restaurant to continue its operations with minimal consequences.

Residents of the Gothic Quarter expressed frustration over the repeated violations by the same establishment. They pointed out that a previous case had already resulted in the dismantling of the terrace several years ago, yet the current situation seems to indicate that the same issues persist. The association of neighbors emphasized their belief that the city should treat this instance similarly to the prior one, rather than starting anew with the legal proceedings. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the enforcement of regulations regarding public spaces and the balance between commercial interests and community needs.

The unique nature of this terrace lies in its location within a dead-end alley, which is closed off at night. Access is limited to the main street Avinyó, making it a highly visible spot in the neighborhood. Inside the alley, there are no residential buildings, only two restaurants owned by the same entity and the back entrance of the church of Sant Jaumne. The area’s characteristics make it particularly problematic, as it transforms a public space into a private domain used primarily for commercial purposes. Neighbors argue that this practice undermines the communal use of streets and contributes to the congestion and discomfort experienced by pedestrians.

Despite these concerns, the restaurant staff reportedly does not face complaints from nearby residents, attributing this to the presence of tourist accommodations instead of regular homes. An employee described the alley as a private area, noting that it can be secured with a gate. This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about who controls access to public spaces and how such areas should be regulated. The owner of the restaurant has not responded to inquiries, leaving questions about future intentions and potential responses from the city council unanswered.

The issue of irregularly extended terraces has long posed challenges for the city government, with common infractions including exceeding the number of allowed tables or placing them in unauthorized locations. What makes this case distinct is the scale of the violation, involving a significant number of tables installed without proper authorization. In the summer of 2025, the city council reported detecting 129 infringements in the Ciutat Vella district over six months, with 17 of these cases lacking any form of license. This data underscores the persistent difficulties faced by local authorities in enforcing regulations on outdoor dining spaces while balancing the economic interests of businesses and the well-being of the surrounding communities.