Andorra la Vella unanimously updates ordinance to mandate 1.5m pedestrian paths at queuing hotspots, with

Andorra la Vella's local council has unanimously approved modifications to its 2018 citizen coexistence ordinance, imposing strict requirements on nightlife venues that generate recurrent queues blocking public pavements.

The updated rules, proposed by councillor for traffic and parking Xavier Siurana during Thursday's session, mandate that businesses ensure a continuous, accessible pedestrian path of at least 1.5 metres wide—or 0.90 metres on exceptionally narrow pavements. Recurrent queues are those occurring multiple times a week, lasting over 30 minutes, and forcing pedestrians into the road or diverting their natural path. Establishments must handle all queue management, including physical delimitation with chains or barriers, hiring staff if necessary, and providing a management plan on council request.

Fines for breaches range from €500 to €3,000, doubling or tripling on reoffence to reach up to €9,000. As a final measure, the council can ask the Andorran government to suspend operations temporarily in serious safety cases.

Siurana stressed the changes address general safety risks rather than targeting any specific venue, though they follow controversy over the viral crepe stand at the Rotonda, where long lines, social media videos of customer disputes, and pedestrian hazards drew complaints. Officials confirmed discussions with the business to inform it of the rules, adding that the council prefers compliance over penalties or closures. Similar systems succeed elsewhere, with responsibility placed squarely on venue operators.

Opposition councillor Marc Canturri supported the measure but condemned the Rotonda situation for damaging Andorra's image. He called it a hazardous spot on a busy stretch of Avinguda Meritxell, welcomed the council's decisive action, and noted the traffic corps can enforce it. Canturri, who has never visited the crepe stand, said such incidents bring no benefit.

In the same session, the council extended a €478,000 contract for Plaça del Poble and Plaça Vinyes renovations, raising overruns to 18.97% of the initial budget over €3 million. The sites host events like the Christmas market but await formal completion and handover, prompting opposition abstentions over nearing the 20% cap. Cònsol Major Sergi González noted the ongoing status.