One of Spain's Oldest Shops and a Magnet for Crowds of Curious Onlookers Who Enter Just to Snap Photos of Displayed Goods: This Prompted the Owner to "Protect Themselves" from Tourist Traffic by Imposing a €5 Fee for Non-Consumers.
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Once upon a time, in commercial establishments, signs were hung that read "look but don't touch." However, today at El Colmado Múrria, a historic grocery store in Barcelona that has been open since 1898, the sign says "looking and not eating costs 5 euros per person!" The initiative originates from the owner's idea, who after renovating the business last December, realized that numerous tourists were simply entering to take photos of the goods displayed in the characteristic shop, without any intention of purchasing the typical Spanish cured meats, aged cheeses, oils, or prominently displayed wines.
Moreover, the team observed that this behavior was bothering the actual customers, prompting them to hang the above-mentioned sign at the entrance, which was quickly criticized by visitors. The initiative and the photo of the sign became viral in no time, triggering a flurry of criticism. The owner then found himself having to explain his reasoning: "We were tired of seeing groups of 15 people enter to take a photo and then leave, disturbing the other guests who were enjoying our products; therefore, we hung up a deterrent sign at the door, with the text: 'A 5 euros charge will be applied to anyone who enters only to look.' Of course, we didn't intend to go this far, but it seems that the warning worked, and now tourists either enter and purchase something or simply stand in front of the door; previously, many didn't even realize that we're also a restaurant, in addition to selling local specialties," he explains to La Vanguardia. It's worth noting that there's now "El Murri," an informal bar for snacks in the same space as the shop, and "1898," a small high-end restaurant with only 4 tables and a tasting menu.
On the other hand, the behavior reported by Colmado Murrìa is just one of the many that annoy several Spanish restaurant owners. Jota from Bar Pony in Barcelona, for instance, shares how it's common for customers to enter his establishment and get the staff's attention by snapping their fingers, as well as touching the ingredients displayed on the counter. "It has happened several times that various guests, mostly men aged between 30 and 40, have touched the cucumbers we use for gin and tonics, making free jokes; an attitude that can only be described as childish. Neither the cucumbers, nor the lemons, limes, or oranges are automatically available to customers, as they are used to make drinks. I don't think they would stick their hand in a tray of tripe if we displayed it: the same should apply to what's on the counter," he argues. According to Jota, it's equally unpleasant when someone enters the establishment and immediately demands to order without even greeting.
Raul Barroso from Las Esparras restaurant, open 24/7 at kilometer 47 of the A5 highway in Extremadura, notes how the rudest behaviors occur at night or during bus stops. "The worst time is after midnight when several customers arrive at our place drunk and want to keep drinking because the bars in nearby towns have already closed. Therefore, we decided to stop serving alcohol after a certain hour. As for bus tours, often the driver only allows 20 minutes for eating, and the passengers demand to be served instantly without considering the kitchen's timing." The cherry on top, however, might be the complaint from the owners of Suru Bar, where employees have repeatedly dealt with customers stealing cutlery or other components of the table setting. "It happened a couple of times: once with a single customer, and another time with four people, who after asking about the Perceval knives, stole them, as well as a coffee spoon. There's something morbid in these behaviors; certainly, a huge lack of manners," concludes Gemma López, the dining room manager and co-owner.
Cover photo: @Marc Guillen
