The Madrid City Council, led by Mayor José Luis MartÃnez-Almeida (PP), imposed a €4,500 fine on Taberna Garibaldi, a tavern co-owned by Pablo Iglesias, for exceeding its permitted capacity.
During a Municipal Police inspection, the establishment was found to have 55 people, exceeding the allowed limit of 45.
Borja Carabante, the delegate for Urbanism, Environment, and Mobility, announced the fine during a city council meeting. He criticized Iglesias, referring to him as a 'pirate businessman' for violating urban regulations.
Iglesias responded on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Carabante and highlighting a crowdfunding campaign to expand the tavern.
Iglesias launched a crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise at least €138,000 (optimally €147,000) to expand Taberna Garibaldi. The campaign offers various rewards based on donation levels.
Municipal Police sources revealed eight inspections at Taberna Garibaldi in the past year, including two routine inspections and others based on neighbor complaints.
One inspection in January revealed the excess capacity leading to the fine.