Tourists traveling alone run the risk of going hungry. At least this is now possible in the popular Spanish city of Barcelona, where restaurants have introduced a seemingly strange tourist ban on eating alone. However, the owners of the establishments have their calculations.
Gone are the days when travelers could quietly enjoy the flavors of Spanish cuisine alone. According to information from the British newspaper Express, the popular vacation spots of the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, have undergone unusual transformations in the field of gastronomy, so travelers may face an unexpected challenge there. Several restaurants have introduced a ban on the possibility of singles visiting.
An investigation by the newspaper El Pais found that such bans are becoming more common, especially on the popular “Tapas Street”, Carrer de Blay. This phenomenon manifests itself mainly in busy areas of the city, where tourists usually gather in large numbers.
The news that places for single diners may be limited has sparked a flurry of discussion. Travelers who have been to Barcelona have confirmed that restaurant staff can indeed refuse service, and those who are let through are often forced to occupy not the most attractive places, including toilets. “I sat down on the terrace, and the waiter came and informed me that the table was already reserved. He was without armor, but as soon as I stood up, a group of foreigners standing behind me immediately sat down,” complained one of the solo tourists.
Stories of tourists being forced to leave the establishment without food due to restrictions on singles have become commonplace. Even regular restaurant customers face service denials. Residents have expressed their fears about the dominance of foreign tourists in the city, the Spaniards do not like that newcomers occupy all the tables. At the same time, the owners of catering establishments are fine with everything: when there is a choice, they prefer groups of tourists, who order more and leave tips, rather than individuals.
The situation is ambiguous. Barcelona, faced with an influx of holidaymakers in recent years, is seeking a balance between preserving the city’s authenticity and ensuring comfort for all, tourists and locals alike. The city, which cannot handle too many visitors, is taking steps to deal with the situation, including plans to raise taxes on overnight cruise tourists and introduce regulations for tour groups.