Andorra Council Targets Viral Shop Queues and Public Space Overcrowding

Andorra la Vella council is advancing specific regulations to manage public space overcrowding from long queues at viral shops, particularly the Creperia de la Rotonda at a busy roundabout, where crowds have spilled onto pavements and roads, prompting complaints from pedestrians and nearby businesses.

Councillor for Circulation and Parking Xavier Surana has held talks with the creperie's manager, who recognises the disruptions to locals and neighbouring outlets. Temporary chains now guide queues to keep pedestrian paths clear, though affected shop owners say the measure falls short, as crowds still block their storefronts and deter customers, especially on weekends. The influx stems from the business's social media fame, fuelled partly by viral videos of the owner berating customers. Surana noted on RNA radio that this is not unique to the creperie, with other high-traffic spots creating similar issues for walkers and vehicles. Council leader Sergi González confirmed receiving multiple complaints and stressed the need for action: "The pavement belongs to everyone, and citizens must be able to pass without problems."

At the next council meeting before year-end, members will vote on public space ordinance changes. These target shops drawing influencer-driven crowds, requiring queue management plans and imposing fines for disruptions—but only where volumes affect public access, not broadly. Officials aim to curb spillovers onto roads during peak seasons.

In parallel efforts to reclaim public areas, bars and restaurants on the upper Passeig del Riu stretch beyond Pont de París qualify for a 50% terrace fee cut from January 1, provided they standardise under summer-approved rules: black parasols and furniture, rubber feet on tables and chairs to cut noise, and layouts hugging buildings or river barriers to preserve walkways.

Residents near Carrer Prat Primer, by Fener and Prada Ramon, continue voicing frustration over the area's transformation into a constant delivery zone, with trucks causing noise, tension, and navigation woes for pedestrians. The council calls this a short-term response to national bus route changes, which scrapped a loading bay on Carrer Maria Pla and narrowed pavements for bus turns, removing bins, benches, and two motorcycle spots—one restored, the other pending. Goods must still reach shops amid Christmas pressures, but urban features will return post-holiday.