El Campello initiates 38 proceedings for violating the new civic coexistence ordinance

El Campello's Local Police have initiated 38 proceedings for violating the new civic coexistence ordinance approved on March 27. This regulation, developed by the police force itself, outlines various unacceptable behaviours in public spaces, which are therefore punishable, as well as the use of public spaces and civic behaviours, according to the Town Hall.

In less than three months, 38 actions violating the ordinance have been recorded. Specifically, five were for breaching public safety rules, five for engaging in unauthorized street vending, two for dumping in the sewage system, pruning, or debris; six for consuming alcohol in public (commonly known as 'botellón'), four for selling alcohol outside permitted hours, another four for causing disturbances to neighbours with loud music outside permitted hours, one for graffiti on a wall, and 20 for unauthorized occupation of public space.

Police Headquarters sources indicate that the proceedings are pending the imposition of corresponding penalties, which, in most cases of minor offences, will range from 100 to 750 euros, except for the establishment fined for selling alcohol outside permitted hours, which will face a 1,500 euro fine. Additionally, closure proceedings have been initiated for the establishment.

The police force reports that many cases were activated following a citizen's complaint call. Not all cases result in penalties, as often the offenders claim ignorance of the new regulation and choose to cease the punishable activity and leave. In cases of complaints about unauthorized loud music in public spaces, officers visit the site, take sound measurements, and warn the offenders. In four instances, the warning was ineffective, and penalties were imposed.

The Town Hall states that the primary aim of this Ordinance is to preserve public space as a place of meeting, coexistence, and civility, "where all individuals, with full freedom of their activities, free movement, leisure, and recreation, must respect the dignity and rights of others, the plurality of expressions, and diverse ways of life."

The text outlines all types of conduct in public spaces, from vandalism to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs, as well as the penalties to be imposed in case of violations. The regulation applies to all public spaces in the municipality, as well as to constructions, installations, urban furniture, and other public assets.

It also affects spaces, constructions, installations, or vehicles and elements intended for public service, such as transport vehicles, shelters, bus stops, railway, tram, or coach stops, fences, traffic signs, containers, and other similar elements. It equally applies to privately owned spaces when conduct or activities are carried out that negatively affect coexistence, or when neglect or lack of proper maintenance by owners, tenants, or users could lead to negative consequences for coexistence or civility in public space.