Andorra Council Approves Queue Rules for Nightlife Venues to Clear Pedestrian Paths

Andorra la Vella council has unanimously approved revisions to its 2018 ordinance on citizen coexistence, environment, and hygiene, requiring nightlife and commercial venues to manage queues that obstruct pedestrian paths.

Councillor for traffic and parking Xavier Siurana introduced the changes during Monday's ordinary session, targeting recurrent queues—those occurring several times weekly, lasting over 30 minutes, or forcing pedestrians into the roadway. Venues must maintain 1.5 metres of clear pavement, or 0.90 metres on narrow sections per accessibility rules, using barriers, chains, or dedicated staff like private security. If required, businesses must provide a queue management plan. Fines start at €500-€3,000, doubling or tripling to €9,000 for repeat offences, with the council able to request temporary closure from the government in serious safety cases.

Siurana emphasised the measures ensure safe walkways without targeting specific sites, despite stemming from issues at the popular Creperia de la Rotonda on Avinguda Meritxell. Officials have informed its owner, citing effective queue controls by high-traffic businesses elsewhere. The ordinance publishes in the BOPA on Wednesday and takes effect next Thursday. Siurana noted the owner can avoid penalties by complying, with government approval needed for any closure.

Tuesday afternoon saw police and traffic agents intervene at the crepe stand amid escalating tensions. As a large crowd queued before opening, the owner argued heatedly with a neighbouring electronics shop manager, who complained of blocked access. The owner expressed frustration over complaints from neighbours, authorities, and others, repeatedly asking where queues could form and suggesting street pedestrianisation or even closing the business. He urged bystanders to record the scene for social media. No physical altercations occurred, but the standoff attracted crowds until officers de-escalated.

Siurana, present at the incident, stressed that entrances to adjacent shops cannot be blocked and public resources like police cannot be dedicated daily to private venues. He recommended catenaries, staff with high-visibility vests, or ticketing systems, warning that catenaries alone are insufficient and non-compliance risks fines or escalation to the government.

Opposition councillor Miquel Canturri backed the ordinance, criticising Rotonda scenes—including social media videos of crowds, disputes, and insults—as dangerous on a busy route and harmful to Andorra's image. A father of a 14-year-old, he said he would not want his child exposed and welcomed traffic enforcement.

Cònsol Major Sergi González described the update as a citizen-centred step forward, calling for business cooperation.

The session also approved a €478,000 extension for Plaça del Poble and Plaça Vinyes upgrades, pushing overruns to 18.97% of the initial budget over €3 million. The sites host events like the Christmas market but lack formal handover; opposition abstained, citing proximity to the 20% cap.

Councillors allocated €376,006 for the first phase of Solobre woods trail improvements to aid firefighter access, with later stages for forest management and public use. Opposition supported it, praising conservation.