Police Close Andorra Street Over Viral Crepe Shop Crowd

Police in Andorra la Vella intervened on Saturday to manage an overflow crowd at the Creperia de la Rotonda on Avinguda Meritxell, temporarily closing the upper section of the avenue after the queue supervisor struggled to contain the volume. The incident stemmed from unusually high numbers, mainly young people and families drawn by the crepe maker's viral social media fame for delivering insults alongside orders.

New crowd-control regulations, effective from 2 January, target high-traffic sites like this outlet, which opened in December 2023 but exploded in popularity months later via TikTok videos. To comply and avoid fines, the owner employs a uniformed worker in a fluorescent vest for four hours daily, from 6pm to 10pm. The supervisor directs a single-file queue, alternating its direction each day to relieve pressure on adjacent shops, reminds customers to leave space for pedestrians, and prevents disruptions like photo-taking or jaywalking into traffic.

Neighbouring businesses report mixed results. Komal Tublani and her husband Ambe, who run Foto Cine Color, praised the changes. "Things are much better now," she said, with their entrance now clear despite crowds arriving 90 minutes early for videos. Amberprasad, manager of a nearby technology shop, confirmed no issues since the rules took effect, noting the crepe maker apologised after a prior clash. "We've had a good relationship for nearly two years, but crowds surged recently due to social media," he added.

However, Francesc, owner of souvenir shop Records el Matiner, remains frustrated. While his entrance is freed, the queue still obscures his window. "I'm paying for that showcase too," he said, citing constant noise after almost two years of disruption.

Conditions calmed on Sunday, briefly interrupted when the avenue was pedestrianised for the Three Kings parade. A royal page stopped, tossing sweets and telling the crepe maker to "behave." The supervisor reported no altercations since starting, though queues have narrowed and lengthened, raising jaywalking risks amid heavy traffic. A pending perfumery opening nearby has locals watching closely, as police maintain vigilance to ensure safety and flow.