Andorra Crepe Stand Deploys Queue Manager for New Pedestrian Path Ordinance

On Friday, the first day of enforcement for Andorra la Vella's new municipal ordinance requiring commercial establishments to keep a clear, continuous path for pedestrians, La Creperia de la Rotonda introduced a dedicated employee to manage customer queues.

The popular yet controversial crepe stand on Avinguda Meritxell, known for its long lines and heated exchanges with patrons, deployed the worker—wearing a yellow vest emblazoned with the business's name—to direct crowds and prevent blockages. Chains had already appeared in recent days to contain waiting customers, but this marked a further step toward compliance amid peak tourist traffic before Three Kings Day.

By late afternoon, queues stretched along both sides of the avenue well before 6pm. Visitors paused to film or photograph the scene, drawn by the outlet's notoriety, while even passengers on the tourist train shouted from their seats. When the nearby pedestrian lights turned green, crowds surged toward the stand, complicating efforts to maintain access.

The queue manager repeatedly urged people to "keep this space clear, please" and "move along," speaking calmly despite the pressure. The crepe maker, staying inside, laughed and called for him to be firmer, though the sharp remarks remained his domain alone.

Nearby shops have also installed chains to protect their entrances, with one employee warning that crowds "block everything" otherwise. Tourists appeared puzzled by the appeal of buying from a spot famous for insults.

The ordinance carries fines from €500 to €3,000 for violations, and repeated non-compliance could lead the commune to request temporary closure from the government. It remains to be seen how effectively the new queue management will operate under these conditions.