One of the typical sights of cities in warm climates is about to become a crime in the Spanish city of Lorca, where a right-wing coalition has added hanging laundry out to dry to a list of offenses.
The center-right PP and far-right Vox parties amended the “Municipal Ordinance on the Protection of Civic Coexistence and Prevention of Antisocial Behavior” to ban “all kinds of acts or behaviours that negatively affect the aesthetic characteristics of buildings and the urban environment, causing their degradation.”
The list also includes storing furniture on balconies, as well as gas cylinders and “any other item unrelated to the proper use of this space.” Another section requires removal of signs, plaques and banners from permanently-closed businesses.
Fines for minor violations run from €150-750 and €750-1500 for more serious ones. For example, hanging out laundry is considered minor; installing a clothesline is listed as major.
