The closure of long-standing businesses like the Santa Clara bakery or the Camps hardware store, both located in the Gràcia district, has sparked concern. The bakery faced a rent hike from 1,500 to 3,000 euros, ending eighty years of service to the neighborhood.
“"When there is economic activity, setting caps is very complicated."
In response, the ERC party will submit a proposal to the Economy commission to urge the creation of a regulation law for high-pressure areas. However, business associations remain divided on whether market intervention is the right solution.
The city is currently developing a census of ground-floor economic activities, coinciding with its status as the European Capital of Local Trade 2026.
