On another thread about a new Hostal in Torres del Rio, the person who stayed there described how they were locked into the place and had to wait to be let out in the morning by the owners. Others then added similar experiences.
I have been in this situation on various occasions -- being totally locked inside, no way out, till the owner shows up.
I wrote to a friend of mine in Madrid who is a law professor, and he responded immediately -- this is totally illegal, for two reasons, one more theoretical, one practical:
1. It would be deemed a restriction on the fundamental human right of liberty (Article 17 of the Spanish Constitution)
2. Each Comunidad Autonoma (regional governments like the Xunta, the Junta de Castilla y Leon, etc) has tourism laws that require owners to facilitate free exit and entry at all times for the guests.
So, if this happens to anyone on the Camino, you should not accept it. I know that pilgrims don't have time to file a law suit, but you can let the owner know you know the law and insist on being able to get in and out, with a key or whatever it takes. This is a huge safety issue, I think, in addition to being able to come and go as you please.
Buen camino, Laurie
I have been in this situation on various occasions -- being totally locked inside, no way out, till the owner shows up.
I wrote to a friend of mine in Madrid who is a law professor, and he responded immediately -- this is totally illegal, for two reasons, one more theoretical, one practical:
1. It would be deemed a restriction on the fundamental human right of liberty (Article 17 of the Spanish Constitution)
2. Each Comunidad Autonoma (regional governments like the Xunta, the Junta de Castilla y Leon, etc) has tourism laws that require owners to facilitate free exit and entry at all times for the guests.
So, if this happens to anyone on the Camino, you should not accept it. I know that pilgrims don't have time to file a law suit, but you can let the owner know you know the law and insist on being able to get in and out, with a key or whatever it takes. This is a huge safety issue, I think, in addition to being able to come and go as you please.
Buen camino, Laurie