A chiringuito has been fined by police for using a robot ‘without the correct paperwork.’
The so-called Sardinator was filmed roaming the streets behind the Malaga beach bar in a bid to attract customers.
A voice emanating from its speakers promised ‘mojitos, caipirinhas and daiquiris’ and encouraged would-be punters to follow it to the restaurant, situated in La Malagueta.
However, it soon caught the eye of Malaga City Council, who realised that the robot’s use on public roads ‘is not authorised’ and ‘never could be’ under current laws.
The robot, which also advertised deals like ‘sardine skewers for €4’, is alleged to have tripped at least one person over after knocking into them.
Elisa Perez de Siles, Councilor for Public Spaces, told Malaga Hoy that this type of robot ‘cannot be authorised’ and that the city ordinance must be complied with.
The City Council ordered police to file a report and sanction the restaurant. According to residents, the robot had been strolling along the promenade.
Councillor for Con Malaga Toni Morillas submitted a letter to the mayor on Friday asking about the device.
‘Several people observed with astonishment how a noisy, moving contraption was advertising a beach bar,’ she said, adding that ‘it seems that the contraption in question avoids the trash cans, but it is not so skillful with people.’
She claimed the robot tripped over one of the people walking along the promenade. In a post on X she said: ‘Malaga, the lawless city.’
Read more Costa del Sol news at the Spanish Eye.
