Terraces in Palma are said to pose obstacles to the disabled. | Teresa Ayuga

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The federation of residents' associations in Palma is again complaining about terraces. This time it is saying that more than half the city's terraces are not complying with rules on architectural barriers. In other words, there are obstacles to accessibility, such as steps, slopes, lack of space between tables, advertising boards, which present barriers to the disabled in wheelchairs and to parents pushing buggies.

Its president, Joan Forteza, wants the town hall to ensure that, even though it is in the process of drafting a new bylaw to apply to terraces, there is compliance with current regulations. The town hall says that it doesn't have sufficient technicians because the ones it does have are focusing on cases which are already being pursued.

According to Forteza, the problem of accessibility exists right across the city but is especially pronounced in the centre because of the high number of terraces. He adds that this problem extends to the interiors of bars and restaurants.

The new ordinance will help, he believes, as establishments will pay rent not for the size of the terrace (the number of square metres) but for specific numbers of tables and chairs.

Alfonso Robledo, president of the restaurants' federation, says that terraces are meeting the requirements of current regulations. He accuses Forteza and the residents' federation of being manipulated by the Podemos councillor Aurora Jhardi and of using her words.