Following the sunbeds spread arbitrarily on beaches, it’s the turn of the tables that “swallow” squares, pedestrian walkways, and sidewalks. The government is activating MyStreet, a new platform tool for citizens, who will be able to report in real time the illegal occupation of public spaces by caterers.

Behind the digital platform is the Registry for Registration of Public Space Permits, which maps legal concessions of municipal space to businesses for pavement space, as well as violations recorded by citizens. Each permit or complaint will be displayed on a map, with full descriptive and geospatial data: names, addresses, tax IDs, concession dates, and areas. Complaints – anonymous or named – will also have their markings on the map, with full details of the nature of the violation.

This new tool comes at a time when, as denounced by a Court of Auditors report, 50% of the shops do not even have a licence, while a further 25% have a licence but have exceeded the area of the concession. The figures are sensational – as is the extent of lawlessness, which, rather than being curbed, often seems to be covered up by the tolerance of municipal authorities.

The same Report reveals that in many municipalities, there is not even an electronic register, and where there is one, it is not being used. The regulatory framework is outdated, does not respond to the changes brought about by new pedestrianisation, redevelopment, or traffic regulations, and inspections are scarce under the pretext ofa  lack of staff. In practice, many municipalities approve permits “on demand” by businessmen, without full documentation, without an autopsy, without even delineating the space to be granted.

It is indicative that in several cases, permits are approved with photos showing already arbitrarily placed table seating, while not even the minimum obligation for a free pedestrian lane of 1.50 m, as provided by law, is observed.

As for the fines, the numbers are revealing and…. disappointing. In 2023, of the 2,172,986.91 euros (€2,172,986.91) assessed for violations in public areas, only 50,722.04 euros (€50,722.04) went into the coffers. Less than 2.5%. Arbitrariness pays… but not the arbitrator.