Manresa's Guàrdia Urbana initially confused regulations for an alcohol sales business on Carretera de Vic, leading to a temporary lapse in enforcement of its 9pm winter closing time, according to residents and city officials. The error caused a resurgence of late-night disturbances in the Plaça Porxada area, prompting multiple calls to the police.
Residents had previously campaigned for stricter closing hours at Express Súper, a shop selling alcohol, to address ongoing issues like public drunkenness, disorder, and litter. The Manresa City Council responded by implementing a specific regulation last August, requiring the business to close at 9pm during winter (October to May) and 10pm in summer (June to September).
Following the regulation's introduction, residents reported a significant improvement in the area, noting an end to late-night disturbances. However, in February, particularly on the day of La Llum festival, and again in recent weeks, the shop began staying open past 10pm. This led eight different residents to contact the Guàrdia Urbana over three consecutive days, requesting intervention.
Police Clarify Confusion
Residents told Regió7 they were surprised to find the Guàrdia Urbana seemed unaware of the 9pm winter closing rule. Anjo Valentí, the Councillor for Citizen Security and Civil Protection, clarified the situation to Regió7, stating it was not a lack of knowledge but a 'confusion'. He confirmed that once the error was identified, the Guàrdia Urbana acted to ensure the shop complies with the established hours.
According to Valentí, the Guàrdia Urbana mistakenly applied the city's ordinance regulating restaurant terraces and their furniture in public spaces, which came into force on 26 May 2015. This ordinance defines a summer season from 1 April to 30 September and a winter season from 1 October to 31 March. Valentí suggested the business itself might also have been confused. The terrace regulations are unrelated to the alcohol sales restriction implemented by the council.
Previous Attempts to Control Sales
The council's decision to enforce the 9pm/10pm closing times came after a previous attempt in May 2023 to restrict alcohol sales from all commercial establishments after 11pm, including those with exceptional hours, failed to resolve the problems on Carretera de Vic. After the new, stricter hours were set last year, the council informed the local police that they were 'already informed that they must control and enforce the new closing time of 10pm in summer and 9pm for the rest of the months'.
Residents are now insisting on strict enforcement of the current closing times. They say that since the regulation began, the street atmosphere at night has returned to normal, free from the shouting, fights, urine, vomit, and other problems caused by late-night drinkers. For this reason, they believe vigilance must be maintained.
The City Council is expected to continue monitoring the situation to ensure the alcohol sales business adheres to the established closing hours, aiming to maintain the improved quality of life for residents in the Plaça Porxada area.
