BARCELONA has cracked down on round-the-clock supermarkets as inspectors uncovered dangerous fire risks, stolen electricity and expired food in dozens of city centre shops.
More than 100 officers stormed late-night stores across the historic centre in a massive multi-agency raid involving police and health inspectors.
Five supermarkets were immediately shut down after investigators discovered illegal electricity hookups, serious fire hazards and threats to public health, authorities said.
Officials added the city has now inspected around 240 of Barcelona’s 24-hour supermarkets during 15 major operations carried out this political term.
Authorities reported uncovering roughly 1,500 violations, including missing licences, hygiene breaches, illegal alcohol sales and suspected labour irregularities involving undocumented workers.
Barcelona City Council has also slapped businesses with more than €440,000 in fines as anger grows over the explosion of all-night mini markets across tourist-heavy neighbourhoods.
Residents have long complained about noise, crowds drinking outside shops and entire streets turning into permanent late-night party zones.
City chiefs recently froze all new licences for 24-hour supermarkets for at least one year, claiming the stores threaten traditional local businesses and overwhelm residential areas.
Barcelona now has around 1,300 late-night supermarkets operating across the city, many clustered in central districts packed with tourists and nightlife.
Inspectors reportedly became suspicious of some stores simply by spotting mismatched signs and missing safety doors from the street.
Officials insist the campaign is only beginning, warning more surprise raids and closures are on the way as the city tightens control over the controversial businesses.
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