Benidorm, a popular Spanish holiday destination, is implementing a crackdown on shops that feature what are deemed ‘offensive’ items in their window displays. The move is driven by concerns that such merchandise, often including t-shirts with suggestive jokes or sexual messages, is negatively impacting the resort’s image, particularly in areas frequented by foreign tourists.
Officials have highlighted that these items, frequently advertised in English to cater to the large British visitor demographic, are inconsistent with local regulations designed to maintain public decency. Javier Jordá, head of commerce for the city hall, emphasized the importance of protecting minors and vulnerable communities from exposure to offensive content in public spaces.
Benidorm’s local laws stipulate that shop windows should not display items that could offend moral sensibilities, citing ‘sexy articles’ as an example. The new enforcement primarily targets items visible from the street, not those sold within the shops themselves.
The authorities are initially focusing on reminding shopkeepers about the existing regulations. However, non-compliance could lead to sanctions, including fines of up to €3,000. Mr. Jordá expressed a preference for voluntary compliance, stating that the goal is to ensure respect for the rules and present the city in a positive light.
This initiative comes as Spain continues to break tourism records, attracting millions of visitors, with British tourists forming a significant portion. However, the country is also grappling with the challenges of over-tourism, which has sparked protests in some popular destinations as the industry seeks to balance visitor numbers with local impact.