Police Manage Crowds and Tensions at Andorra's Famous Rude Crepe Stand

On Saturday, police officers intervened near La Creperia de la Rotonda in Andorra la Vella to defuse tensions between the crepe stand's queuing customers and staff from nearby shops, while also helping organize the crowds on the pavement.

The incident occurred just before the outlet opened, amid ongoing issues with the business's popularity spilling over into the avenue. Agents from the corps d'ordre have become a regular presence in the area, frequently called to prevent escalations. Insults, a hallmark of the crepe maker's interactions, have spread from him to some customers, who respond in kind to complaints from neighbouring traders about blocked access.

This follows Friday's enforcement of the new municipal ordinance, which requires commercial sites to maintain a clear, continuous pedestrian path. La Creperia de la Rotonda, on Avinguda Meritxell and notorious for long lines and sharp remarks, introduced a yellow-vested queue manager that day to direct crowds and comply. Chains had appeared earlier to contain queues, but peak tourist traffic before Three Kings Day tested the setup.

By late afternoon Friday, lines formed on both sides of the avenue before 6pm. Pedestrians surged forward when nearby lights turned green, and passersby stopped to film the scene—many drawn by the stand's fame. Tourist train passengers even shouted insults from their seats, prompting replies. The manager calmly repeated phrases like "keep this space clear, please" and "move along," though the crepe maker laughed and urged him to be tougher. Sharp words remained the crepe maker's preserve.

Neighbouring businesses have added chains to safeguard entrances, with one worker noting that crowds "block everything" otherwise. Tourists often seem baffled by the appeal of buying from a spot known for rudeness.

Violations carry fines from €500 to €3,000, and persistent issues could prompt the commune to seek temporary closure from the government. The stand has overshadowed other crepe outlets, which offer similar products without the abuse, though social media videos of the chaos continue to draw crowds.