Ibiza Town Hall is processing two complaints linked to street performances as tensions continue over the use of popular busking locations in Dalt Vila. The council confirmed that the cases are being handled by its sanctions department after a singer raised concerns about alleged intimidation between performers and possible unlicensed music shows at private establishments.

The dispute centres on how musicians use designated public spaces in Ibiza Town, particularly in Dalt Vila, where tourists and restaurant terraces attract large numbers of visitors. The municipality introduced a formal authorisation system in 2025 to regulate street performances, establish approved locations and ensure musicians rotate between them.

The council has stressed that its Commerce Department manages permits for occupying public space, while the Activities Department is responsible for music licences at private venues.

Two Complaints Being Processed by the Municipality

The Town Hall's Commerce Department confirmed that two complaints relating to street performances are currently being processed by the sanctions department.

The confirmation followed questions about allegations made by Rebecca de Orleáns, a singer with around 30 years of musical experience who has performed on Ibiza's streets for several years.

De Orleáns alleges that some groups repeatedly occupy the most commercially attractive locations in Dalt Vila, making it difficult for other authorised musicians to perform. She also claims that some performers intimidate others and that certain restaurants may be arranging music performances without the required licences.

These allegations have not been established as official findings. The municipality's response confirms the existence of two complaints but does not establish that every practice described by the singer has occurred or resulted in a sanction.

How Ibiza's Street Music Permit System Works

Ibiza Town Hall introduced its current authorisation system in 2025 in cooperation with the Ibiza Musicians Association.

According to the council, permits are issued for a specific season and designated, marked locations. These include the port, Dalt Vila, Plaça dels Jutjats, La Marina and Ses Figueretes.

Performances are limited to 60 minutes, and authorised musicians must rotate between the approved locations. Each artist receives a map showing the designated points.

Applicants must provide proof of registration for the Economic Activities Tax, civil liability insurance and information about their repertoire. Applications are assessed using a points-based system, with a panel of municipal technical staff responsible for the selection process.

The authorisation covers performances in the designated public spaces only. It does not give musicians permission to perform in private establishments, and it does not replace any music licence required by a restaurant or bar.

Allegations of Intimidation and Control of Popular Locations

De Orleáns says some performers concentrate on the busiest locations in Dalt Vila, where visitor numbers and nearby restaurant terraces can make street performances more attractive.

She has specifically accused a group performing capoeira, a Brazilian art combining elements of martial arts, music and movement, of maintaining a presence at certain locations and discouraging other musicians from using them.

The singer says she has experienced verbal confrontations and hostile situations while trying to perform. She also reported an incident in which an egg was allegedly thrown at her while she was singing.

De Orleáns said she had not suffered physical assaults by the group she identified. Her account of intimidation and disputes over performance spaces remains her allegation and has not been independently established by the municipality.

The dispute is not entirely new. Complaints about performers occupying popular locations were also reported during the first summer of the permit system in 2025. At that time, the Town Hall confirmed that a violinist and a capoeira group had been observed performing without the required accreditation.

Council Refers Alleged Unlicensed Restaurant Performances for Review

A separate aspect of the dispute concerns claims that some restaurants or bars may be arranging performances using street musicians' authorisations, despite not holding the necessary music licences.

De Orleáns alleges that some performances are agreed in advance with private establishments rather than taking place as street performances under the conditions of the public-space permit.

The Town Hall's Commerce Department said such matters fall outside its direct remit because it is responsible for permits to occupy public space, not licences for music at private establishments. The council said the query had also been referred to its Activities Department.

The available information does not establish that any specific restaurant has been found to operate without a required licence. The allegations should therefore be distinguished from any formal finding or sanction by the authorities.

How Residents Can Report Suspected Breaches

The Town Hall says suspected misuse of street performance permits can be reported through the Línea Verde service, by contacting the Local Police or by approaching the relevant municipal department.

The distinction between public-space permits and private-venue music licences is central to the current dispute. An authorisation to perform at a designated street location does not automatically permit a musician to perform at a restaurant, nor does it establish that the establishment itself holds the necessary licences.

The two complaints now being processed place renewed attention on how the permit system is enforced. The next step will depend on the municipal review and any findings made by the departments responsible for the relevant rules.