August 2, 2010

The city’s lampposts, which usually carry banners announcing festivals around town, as of late July bear pastel pink banners featuring cartoon men urinating in exaggerated arcs. The City Council’s colorful signs announce the enforcement of a 2006 ordinance aimed at ensuring the peaceful coexistence of citizens in public areas, including beaches.

Residents, tourists and event organizers who use public spaces inappropriately (participating in sports competitions and/or games) can be fined up to €750. Individuals engaging in games that cause risks to others or damage architecture (skateboarders are cited here) can be fined €1,500, while spitting, urinating and defecating in public could result in a fine of €300 for each offense. Bathing or washing clothes, as well as using soap or other hygienic products at the public beach showers could cost you €500. And swimmers who do not respect the green, yellow or red warning flags may be punished with a €1,500 fine. Is the enforcement of such policies another way for Barcelona’s Ajuntament to generate additional revenue in a time of economic crisis? Regardless, forewarned is forearmed—it’s best to avoid offending anyone in any way when you go to the beach this summer. or it could cost you dearly.