Aussies could face fines for pub crawls in popular European city

One of Europe’s top destinations for bustling night-life and partying is set to introduce bans to manage tourism.

Aussies wanting to soak up the rich night-life in Barcelona may have to adjust their plans, with Spain now placing bans on pub crawls and short-term rentals in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour and address the negative impact of tourism on locals.

These are among several regulations being considered in a 20-day public consultation period put forward by the city council. If given the green light, changes will start from June 1 this year, according to The Mirror.

The move comes after the vibrant hotspot welcomed a record 11.7 million visitors in 2024, despite ongoing anti-tourism protests across Europe and tensions between locals and foreigners.

Barcelona is set to bring in new rules to manage its growing tourist numbers. Picture: iStock/mikeinlondon.

Late night pub crawls are on the chopping block as the city recently issued a mayoral decree that “completely restricts” organised alcohol consumption routes between publish establishments from 7pm to 7am. Promoters and organisers may also face a €900 fine - $A1500 - for advertising such events.

The “special provision” recognises the “exceptional situation of high tourist influx” which can “negatively affect the city’s image and the quality of life in local neighbourhoods”.

In a statement to The Mirror, Barcelona City Council said these boozy tours can create “inconvenience” and “requests from citizens”.

“Irresponsible alcohol consumption” is also a “risk factor” in certain areas, especially in “stressed areas” or spaces with plenty of leisure venues.

Barcelona already has a similar ban in the Ciutat Vella district, which came into force in 2012 and will continue until at least 2028. More than 1,000 fines have been issued for breaching the decree, according to local media.

Tourist rentals may help ease rising rental costs for locals and control heavily congested streets. Picture: iStock/mikeinlondon.

The city is additionally set to prohibit short-term tourist rental apartment rentals from 2028 to address overcrowding and rising rental costs.

Madrid previously introduced rental restrictions in residential communities, with Malaga, Seville and Alicante also bringing in similar restrictions for visitors.

If the regulations proceed, authorities will likely impose a tax on overnight stays and greater police power to combat illegal holiday lets.

Holidaymakers could also see restrictions on airport arrivals and extra taxes on select high traffic touristy areas and activities as a way to manage crowds.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanches said: “The government’s duty is to prioritise residential use of housing and prevent speculative and touristic uses from expanding in a totally uncontrolled manner at the cost of residents.”

Last year, Balearic President Marga Prohens said work needs to be done to manage its growing tourism numbers.

“We are aware of the need to adopt measures before the next season to deal with episodes of tourist overcrowding,” she said.

“Yes, the time has come to take decisions, and for this reason, I can announce that next February the Balearic government will approve a decree law on urgent measures to tackle tourist congestion with measures that have the consensus of all.”