Bar San Remo’s 16-Chair Limit: What You Need to Know About “Aforo” and Public Space Regulations in Spain
Hey everyone! As we get ready for another community meetup at Bar San Remo, I want to take a moment to explain some important seating and legal rules so that everything goes smoothly. This will help keep things comfortable and legal for everyone involved.
1. What is “Aforo” and Why Does it Matter?
In Spain, aforo refers to the maximum number of people allowed in a given space based on size, safety, and legal requirements. These rules exist to ensure safety in both indoor and outdoor public spaces. For example, Bar San Remo has a legal capacity limit of 16 chairs on its terrace. This is part of the local regulations aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring people can move freely in case of emergencies.
2. Can I Stand Outside the Terrace?
Here’s where it can get tricky. Even if you’re not sitting at a table, drinking in public spaces (like standing on the street with a drink) is illegal unless you’re in a licensed space. So, even though you might think it’s fine to stand right next to Bar San Remo with a beer, it’s actually against the law. You can’t drink outside unless you’re seated at a table in a licensed area.
While standing outside with your drink might seem harmless, it can lead to trouble for both you and the business. Local authorities are strict about these rules to maintain public order.
3. The Consequences of Exceeding the Limit
If the number of people exceeds the aforo limit, both Bar San Remo and its guests risk facing consequences. The business could face fines or even a temporary closure. That’s why it’s essential to stick to the rules and respect the designated space, especially during busy times.
Additionally, crowding can create discomfort or safety risks, particularly if the terrace becomes too full. For safety reasons, you may be asked to move inside if the street area around the terrace gets too crowded.
4. Don’t Take Chairs or Tables From Other Businesses
Another key rule: Do not take chairs or tables from neighbouring restaurants and bring them onto Bar San Remo’s terrace. This isn’t just discourteous, it’s also theft. Imagine going into your neighbour’s house and taking their furniture—it’s the same concept here. It’s extremely rude and disrespectful.
5. National Regulations Apply Everywhere
The rules about aforo are not unique to Bar San Remo—they apply to all public spaces in Spain. Whether you’re at a supermarket, a pool, an office, or a restaurant, the same laws are in place to manage capacity and safety. These rules ensure that public spaces can handle a specific number of people, maintaining a balance between comfort and emergency protocols. For example, supermarkets, shopping centres, and even public offices all have their own aforo limits, based on their size and layout
Drinking alcohol in public spaces like the street or at the beach is illegal in many parts of Spain, including Gran Canaria. This includes areas where alcohol is not being consumed at a designated bar or terrace. The law is enforced to maintain public order and safety, ensuring that people don’t create disturbances or put themselves in unsafe situations. For instance, consuming alcohol on the beach or walking down the street with an open bottle or can is not permitted. It’s the same reasoning behind why you can’t drink on the sidewalks next to Bar San Remo’s terrace
6. Why It’s Important to Follow These Rules
By respecting these aforo rules, we help keep things safe for everyone. Overcrowding or breaking the public drinking rules could result in fines for businesses, which could impact future events like ours. It’s also about ensuring everyone’s safety, especially if there’s an emergency situation. Maintaining the right capacity means there’s room to move around and get help if needed.
7. If You Can’t Agree with the Rules, It’s Best to Stay Away
If the seating rules or the idea of not drinking on the street sounds like too much, it might be best to skip the meetup. This event is about creating a positive and respectful environment, and we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the evening without any issues. Respecting these rules helps us do that.
I hope this helps clarify the rules for our meetup at Bar San Remo. Let’s make sure we have a great time while respecting the space, the law, and each other. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
