Overview

• The Supreme Court partially annulled Barcelona’s 2021 urban plan by striking down prohibitions on gambling venues within 800 meters of schools and 450 meters of health or youth centers.
• The City Council published an immediate suspension of new gambling establishment licenses in the Official Provincial Bulletin with a one-year duration extendable for another year.
• The ruling emphasises that municipal zoning regulations must be carefully justified, proportionate and respectful of free market freedoms and regional sectoral laws.
• Officials will draft a new special urban plan incorporating legal amendments to maintain the city’s objectives in combating gambling addiction.
• The revised policy will focus on protecting children and other vulnerable groups from easy access to betting venues.