A new tax has been effect in Málaga since the beginning of the year but is yet to be implemented because the rates and administrative procedures have not yet been defined.
The tax relates to groups and companies who need to make use of the services of the Local Police, such as for events, parades, traffic control and even such things as inspection reports.
However, there seem to be so many exceptions to the general rule of the ordinance that each case will probably have to be assessed individually.
Associations organising street races, floral tributes, bicycle races and other events will be exempt from the new tax, as will religious groups carrying out processions, non-profit organisations and groups and the municipal authority.
Also exempt will be the organisers of events deemed to be of general public interest, such as fairs.
So who does that leave? Basically, organisations and groups organising events or activities for profit or advertising purposes. The tax would also be applicable in the case of special vehicles passing through the city and the issuing of crowd reports.
Part of the idea is a deterrent effect, forcing organisers to think twice about requesting streets to be cordoned off and maybe selecting alternative routes or locations.
It does seem that there is a long way to go in order to sort out this new tax, although the authorities believe it could come into effect by the summer.
It does sound, with so many exceptions, rates and general complexity, that it could be a costly administrative nightmare in waiting.