Andorra Fines Hotel and Restaurant €1,201 Each for Catalan Language Violations

Andorra's Department of Language Policy imposed two fines of €1,201 each in 2025 for breaches of the Official and Proprietary Language Law. One penalty targeted a hotel in Pas de la Casa that lacked forms in Catalan, while the other went to a restaurant for failing to provide customer service in the language.

The department recorded exactly 100 complaints over the year, confirming steady enforcement since the law's entry into force in May 2024. Of these, 54 concerned commercial names, signage, and advertising—the most common issue. Establishments in tourism and hospitality accounted for 17 cases, followed by 14 involving staff serving the public. Other complaints included six against public institutions, five on contracts and documents, two in public transport, and one each in public activities and media or cultural industries.

Eleven cases resolved favourably after businesses corrected the violations. Nine were dismissed due to incomplete forms, lack of detail, or no proven infringement. The remaining files are pending, with some procedures ongoing and potential for additional fines.

Culture Minister Mònica Bonell emphasised that the law's primary aim is compliance, not punishment. Director Joan Sans noted the guarantees built into the process, including time for corrections and appeals, which explains the low sanction rate. No residence permits have been denied for failing to prove the required A1-level Catalan proficiency, needed for renewals since autumn 2024. Bonell highlighted a surge in course enrolments—700 in-person and 300 online for early 2026—and exam registrations, with 925 sign-ups for the first 2026 session, doubling A1 and A2 candidates from the previous year. Numerous certificates of progress and exemptions have also been issued.

Authorities view the balance positively, prioritising adaptation over penalties amid ongoing public debate on Catalan use.