Moving around the center of a big city like Barcelona means doing so through dozens of shop windows. Those of cases, selfie sticks and other accessories for iPhone and other mobile phones These are the most common. They will continue to be there, if their owners wish, but they will not be able to open new ones in certain neighborhoods.
Barcelona City Hall has announced suspension of opening licenses to these and other stores in order to “maintain the economic stability of the local community” and to have “greater control over new business openings.”
Home (and other) businesses in the spotlight at the town hall
It was last Friday when the municipal executive led by Jaume Collboni announced the suspension of permits in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona for the following establishments:
- Stores selling cell phone cases and other accessories.
- Cannabis stores or grow shops.
- Manicure and/or pedicure salons.
For at least one year, renewable for one year, the municipal entity will stop issuing licenses for these establishments, which is why this has already been reflected in the OMAIIA (Municipal Ordinance of Comprehensive Activities and Intervention).
Promoting local and proximity trade is the town hall’s objective
This is due to the fact that there are many such establishments in the city. They were put into categories that did not suit them.like florists or herbalists in the case of cannabis stores, hairdressers in the case of nail salons or mobile phone stores in the case of cases and accessories. In no case have they adapted to the reality of their business.
From the city council, they emphasize that it is a measure to protect local trade and to prevent the economic activity of the centre of Barcelona from being relegated to places made by and for tourists. Mayor Collboni stressed in any case that this is not a measure against tourism, but rather a consequence of “the overpopulation” of large cities like Barcelona.
Collboni, in an interview with Cadena SER, also stressed that They aim to “recover the city for the people of Barcelona”. All this at a time when tourism is precisely criticized in cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Palma de Mallorca, with tourist apartments being one of the big problems to solve.
Therefore, focusing on what concerns the Apple world, if you ever need to buy a case for your iPhone and you are in Barcelona (whether you are a tourist or a resident), it will not be impossible to find one in the center, but you will notice a significant decrease in these establishments.
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