Pas de la Casa Residents Protest Early-Morning Tourist Noise Disruptions

Residents in Pas de la Casa have voiced strong complaints over noise and disturbances caused by groups of young tourists during the early morning hours, particularly following the nights of Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday. Social media videos captured shouting and rowdy behaviour as intoxicated youths moved through residential streets like Carrer Bearn and Carrer Maià, disrupting sleep across multiple areas of the Encamp parish village. Neighbours highlighted how revellers travel to and from peripheral nightlife zones, generating prolonged racket that affects quality of life and revives criticism of low-cost, binge-drinking tourism.

The Comú d’Encamp has responded by announcing increased nocturnal security measures. Cònsol Menor Xavier Fernández stated the parish council will deploy "all necessary resources" to minimise impacts, including more traffic agents and police alongside private security already hired by tour operators. These guards escort groups from nightlife venues—now relocated away from the village centre—to their accommodations, aiming to curb cries and chaos. Fernández emphasised that such incivic conduct, including youths running partially nude through snowy streets in sub-zero temperatures, is "not tolerated in any case" as residents' rest takes priority after midnight.

This escalation follows a December meeting of the Pas de la Casa nocturnal leisure working group, which includes the government, Comú representatives, police, traffic agents, business owners, and tour operators. Outcomes included guides on good practices, informational leaflets distributed to visitors outlining entry and exit behaviour, and noise regulations enforcing decibel limits. While officials noted fewer complaints in recent months and praised private sector cooperation, neighbours report that reinforced police presence from the GSMO unit only temporarily quiets the noise, with disruptions resuming once patrols leave.

Fernández acknowledged the issue's persistence during the ski season but pointed to ongoing efforts to shift tourism profiles through investments and the new ski resort concession, fostering a safer, more appealing environment for all.