Barcelona bans Calçotadas at home: Fines for preparing this traditional dish on your balcony or terrace

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Barcelona bans Calçotadas at home: Fines for preparing this traditional dish on your balcony or terrace
Sílvia Martín, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The good weather has arrived in Barcelona, and with it, the time to organize barbecues with family or friends. However, this plan can be expensive if carried out at home. The municipal ordinances of the Catalan capital establish strict regulations for all activities involving fire in urban environments. And Calçotadas are no exception to these restrictions.

Barcelona residents will not be able to organize barbecues or Calçotadas on balconies and terraces. The use of fire in these spaces can pose a risk to public health and safety due to the danger of fire and smoke. This regulation is part of Decree 64/1995, which was tightened after the fires in Catalonia in the summer of 2022 to prevent similar events and minimize disturbance to the neighborhood. Grilling is only permitted in residential areas or housing estates. However, they must meet a number of conditions.

The grill must be equipped with a spark arrester, and the cooking area must be enclosed by three walls and located at a minimum distance of 500 meters from the forest area. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines of up to 500 euros. And not only that. Penalties can be imposed for other reasons, such as the use of charcoal or wood grills or the generation of smoke or disturbing odors. And it will also be completely prohibited between March 15 and October 15, the period with the highest risk of fire.