The Zaragoza Local Police interrupted a neighborhood dinner on Esperanza street, in the Torrero neighborhood, during the year 2023. The officers requested identification from the attendees and communicated that the prior notification submitted was not sufficient, as a specific municipal authorization was necessary for this type of activity.
Dismantling of the dinner and administrative sanction
Given the police intervention, the neighbors were forced to dismantle the tables and continued dinner standing, spread out between the street and nearby garages. One month after another dinner held in June 2024, Ángel Martín, one of the organizers, received a letter notifying him of a sanction of 601 euros for the 2023 dinner. The sanction was imposed for considering the activity a "serious administrative infraction" as it was not covered by municipal permit.
"The dinner cost us 50 euros per family" - Ángel Martín, affected neighbor
Martín had registered a document at the City Council notifying of the call for the dinner, which coincided with the neighborhood festivities and the 50th anniversary of the neighborhood association. Despite this notice, the documentation was not considered sufficient by the municipal services.
Community appeal and institutional response
After receiving the sanction, the neighbors filed an appeal requesting the annulment of the fine. The district board approved a motion in which it asked for clemency and demanded the withdrawal of the sanction, arguing the festive and neighborhood nature of the activity. However, the fine was not withdrawn and Ángel Martín had to pay the amount. For making the payment late, an additional 10% surcharge was applied.
The case has generated discomfort among the residents of Torrero, who demand from the City Council a review of the criteria and the creation of a clearer and more proportionate way to manage this type of popular dinners. The neighbors insist on the need to transparently regulate neighborhood activities to avoid sanctions they consider disproportionate.