- the Town Hall of Torrevieja is reinitiating the drafting and approval process of a new public space ordinance focused exclusively on the hospitality sector.
- The current regulation from 2014 will be updated to better organize public space use and address long-standing issues in terrace occupation.
- The local hospitality association is closely involved in the drafting process to ensure fair and practical rules.
- The new ordinance aims to avoid restrictive measures like those recently implemented in nearby Guardamar, preserving businesses’ use of terraces.
- The City Council has already recovered over €150,000 in unpaid public space occupation fees from hospitality businesses in 2024.
- Ongoing municipal efforts include marking designated terrace spaces and crackdowns on unauthorized street vending.
Torrevieja Moves Forward with new Public Space Rule Tailored for Hospitality Sector
the Torrevieja City Council is taking a meaningful step to update and improve the regulations surrounding the occupation of public spaces by hospitality businesses. With the town’s booming restaurant and bar scene, old regulations dating back to 2014 have become outdated, prompting local officials to reboot the ordinance drafting process with a special focus on terraces and outdoor seating.
Why a New Public Space Occupation Ordinance?
Federico Alarcón, the Councilor responsible for Activities, explained that the goal is to “order” and modernize how public space is used by bars, restaurants, and cafés. With approximately 600 hospitality businesses in Torrevieja,the current regulation is no longer sufficient for balancing business needs and citizens’ rights to shared spaces.
“It’s about adapting to real usage conditions and working hand-in-hand with the Hospitality Employers Association of Torrevieja and surrounding areas,” said alarcón. This partnership is key to ensure that any change reflects the needs and concerns of the local hospitality sector.
Collaboration with Hospitality Association Ensures Practical solutions
The president of the local Hospitality Association, José Ignacio Pastor, confirmed their ongoing dialog with the council:
“We are analyzing key points of the new ordinance to present suggestions and ensure the regulations include practical cases experienced by businesses.”
This joint effort aims to align expectations and prevent surprises that might jeopardize the vibrancy of Torrevieja’s outdoor hospitality scene.
Learning from Neighboring Guardamar: A Different Approach
Unlike the nearby town of Guardamar,where authorities recently created controversy by banning terraces with marquees and demanding daily removal of boundaries,Torrevieja aims to maintain a balanced approach.
Councilor Alarcón emphasized:
“We are not pursuing restrictive limitations that would harm the use of terraces. Our intention is to improve regulation, not reduce opportunities for hospitality businesses.”
One example under consideration is prohibiting businesses with very limited indoor space from occupying disproportionately large terraces outdoors, maintaining fairness among establishments.
2014 Ordinance Update and 2023 Draft Overview
The process started back in March 2023 when a preliminary draft was consulted. This initial draft covered multiple uses of public space, not only for terraces but also for modern services like food trucks, inflatable play areas, and vending machines.
Key highlights included:
- Setting aesthetic and uniformity standards for outdoor furniture, especially in prime waterfront and port areas
- Favored color schemes reflecting maritime surroundings (light blue and white)
- Restrictions and controls to prevent chaotic or inconsistent terrace occupation
Enforcement and Fee Recovery Efforts in 2024
In early 2024, Torrevieja’s Town Hall launched a campaign to collect unpaid public space occupation fees from hospitality businesses. This move revealed that over €150,000 in municipal fees had been “forgotten” by more than 100 businesses, including established local restaurants and multinational franchises.
| Category | Amount Unpaid | Estimated Number of Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Local restaurants & bars | €5,000 – €14,000 | 80+ |
| Multinational Chains | Up to €14,000 | 20+ |
| Total Recovered by Council | €150,000+ | 100+ |
This rigorous recovery contrasts with the leniency shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, where from 2020 to 2023 the city suspended terrace fees to support the sector through restrictions and economic difficulties.
Improved Public Space Management & Measures
Following complaints from residents about oversized terraces impacting communal spaces, the Council resumed enforcement of existing rules starting March 2024. They marked designated terrace zones with horizontal paint on pavements and increased local Police presence to curb unauthorized street vendors, improving public order.
What’s next?
- Further meetings will refine the new ordinance with the hospitality association.
- the voices of pedestrians and other public space users have yet to be incorporated in the drafting process.
- The new regulation will coexist with fiscal ordinances governing fee payments – no changes to payment rules are anticipated.
Conclusion
The Torrevieja City Council is balancing the needs of a thriving hospitality industry with the community’s right to an organized and pleasant public space. Through collaboration with industry leaders and learning from neighboring municipalities, the upcoming new public space occupation ordinance aims to foster enduring business practices while maintaining Torrevieja’s appeal as a dynamic coastal destination.
Stay tuned for updates as the new ordinance develops and the dialogue between businesses, the municipality, and citizens progresses.
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