Pas de la Casa Residents Hit by Renewed Tourist Noise, Encamp Boosts Security

Residents in Pas de la Casa have reported renewed noise disturbances from rowdy groups of young tourists over the Friday-to-Saturday and Saturday-to-Sunday nights, prompting Encamp commune to increase nighttime security measures.

Police handled multiple calls around 4am and 5am on both nights to address public shouting, fights, and disruptive behaviour that kept locals awake. Neighbours in areas like Carrer Bearn and Carrer Maia described intense "acoustic pollution" lasting more than an hour, with intoxicated youths moving through residential streets between nightlife spots and accommodations. Social media videos captured the disorder, including one from Friday night showing groups wandering with the caption questioning sleep in Encamp versus Pas de la Casa. On Saturday night, some ran partially nude through snowy streets in low temperatures, raising safety concerns for themselves and nearby residents.

Locals linked the issues to low-cost binge-drinking tourism, noting that while nightlife has shifted to peripheral zones away from the upper village, transit routes still affect multiple neighbourhoods. Complaints had decreased in recent months following a December meeting of the Pas de la Casa nocturnal leisure working group, which includes government officials, Encamp commune, police, traffic agents, businesses, and tour operators. That session produced zoning rules, good practice guides, and requirements for private security escorts.

Encamp deputy consul Xavier Fernández announced an immediate security reinforcement, pledging "all necessary resources" to minimise disruptions and prioritise residents' rest. Additional police and traffic agents will join existing private security hired by tour operators to guide groups from venues to lodgings. Leaflets outlining proper conduct are distributed at club entrances and exits. "These attitudes or behaviours will not be tolerated," Fernández said, praising the cooperation of venue owners and operators, who understand the need for quiet nights.

Fernández highlighted ongoing efforts under the new ski station concession to improve security, accessibility, and the environment, aiming to attract better-quality visitors. No arrests or fines have been reported from the incidents.