Benalmadena organised its annual emergency exercise at the cable car last week, raising the level of challenge by involving firefighters from several towns across the province. But, this time, they decided to make the test even more difficult than previous years – by carrying it out in the pitch-black darkness of night.

Multiple services join forces in complex scenario

Firefighters were brought in from Benalmadena, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella and Malaga capital, and the provincial consortium worked together with national police, local officers, civil protection teams, Red Cross staff and the cable car’s own technicians.

Organisers recreated an incident that required the evacuation and rescue of around thirty people from cabins stranded on the line. The cable car is usually closed by nightfall, but on this occasion, they might have been thnking about the astronomy nights run during the summer or even the predicted eclipse in August of this year.

Fire crews carried out procedures for rescue work, operational coordination, victim care and resource management inside the distinctive cable car environment.

The activity allowed crews to assess joint response capacity during a demanding situation and to improve communication and other links between the different bodies involved.

Mayor observes drill with fire and police chiefs

Juan Antonio Lara, mayor of Benalmadena, attended the exercise accompanied by fire service heads of Malaga’s provincial fire brigade and the local police.

Both chiefs followed the work of the various teams at close range throughout the operation.

Drones with thermal cameras support night operations

Local police deployed their new drone unit during the evening phase of the drill. The little aircraft carried night vision equipment and thermal imaging cameras, enabling teams to obtain clear views inside the cable car cabins and to detect any passengers who, theoretically, might remain trapped inside.

Officers also used the drones to assist with search tasks, traffic control around the site and general support for the emergency response in low-light conditions.

Regular training builds readiness at popular attraction

The drill forms part of ongoing preparation designed to keep response standards high at one of the Costa del Sol’s well-known tourist sites during the busiest months of the year.

By bringing together a wide range of specialist teams and testing new technology in realistic nighttime settings, organisers noted down practical information on how modern tools can improve location and rescue times.

The exercise confirmed that the collaboration between local and provincial administrations as well as specialised organisations is excellent, supporting further progress in safety and prevention measures for the cable car ride.

Teams completed the full programme without complications and finished earlier than scheduled, providing clear evidence of effective planning and execution.

Mercadona shoppers could be paying more than necessary for everyday groceries if they focus only on products placed directly at eye level, according to economist and financial content creator Gabriel García. The economist has drawn attention to what he describes as a common supermarket merchandising strategy.

He claims that “normally the middle shelves tend to be considerably more expensive” than those positioned higher or lower in the aisle. His comments, made while discussing shopping habits at Mercadona, have attracted widespread attention among consumers looking for ways to reduce household spending.

Economist claims Mercadona shoppers often overlook cheaper alternatives

García argues that many customers naturally focus on products positioned at eye level, where retailers frequently place items they most want shoppers to notice. As a result, consumers may miss cheaper alternatives located elsewhere on the shelf.

According to García, “normally the middle shelves tend to be considerably more expensive”, as retailers often place higher-margin products where they are easiest for shoppers to see and reach.

The observation has attracted widespread attention as food prices remain a concern for many households across Spain, prompting consumers to seek practical ways to reduce spending without significantly changing their shopping habits.

Why eye-level shelves attract shoppers

Retail experts have long recognised that product placement plays a major role in influencing consumer behaviour. Eye-level shelving is considered premium retail space because products displayed there are more likely to be noticed. As a result, manufacturers and retailers often position items they wish to promote most prominently, while lower-priced alternatives may be located on higher or lower shelves.

García explained that shoppers who only scan the middle section of supermarket aisles could be missing less expensive options located elsewhere. Rather than focusing immediately on products placed directly in front of them, he recommends taking a few extra seconds to examine the entire shelving unit before making a decision. The strategy does not guarantee that every cheaper product will be located away from eye level, but it can help consumers compare a wider range of options and potentially identify better value alternatives.

A simple change that could reduce grocery spending

The economist’s advice centres on changing shopping habits rather than eliminating products from a household budget. By comparing products positioned on different shelves, consumers may be able to find similar items at lower prices. This approach can be particularly useful when purchasing staple goods such as pasta, rice, cereals, cleaning products and household essentials, where multiple brands often occupy the same section.

García suggests that many shoppers make decisions quickly, selecting the first product they see rather than reviewing all available alternatives. While the price difference between individual products may appear small, these savings can accumulate over time when applied consistently across a weekly or monthly shop.

The recommendation relates to a wider concern among consumers seeking practical methods of managing household expenditure amid continuing concerns over the cost of living. The advice has resonated with some shoppers online. Ana Holford, who lives in Spain, said the economist’s comments had prompted her to reconsider her shopping habits. “I live in Spain and Mercadona is the only supermarket I use, but I’ve a feeling that’s about to change. Next time you go check the shelves,” she wrote.

Product placement is a well-established retail strategy

The economist’s comments are based on a merchandising practice that has been recognised within the retail industry for many years. Supermarkets carefully organise shelves to maximise visibility and encourage purchasing decisions. Premium brands and products generating higher profit margins are often given the most prominent positions, while cheaper alternatives may occupy less visible locations.

This does not mean that every item at eye level is the most expensive, nor that every lower shelf contains the cheapest option. However, retail specialists generally agree that shelf placement can significantly influence customer behaviour. For this reason, consumer experts frequently advise shoppers to compare unit prices and examine an entire section before making purchases. The same principle applies across many supermarkets and is not unique to Mercadona.

Mercadona remains Spain’s leading supermarket chain

The discussion has generated particular interest because it relates to Mercadona, Spain’s largest supermarket chain and one of the country’s most visited retailers. With thousands of stores across Spain and Portugal, the company serves millions of customers each week and plays a significant role in the country’s grocery market.

As a result, any advice relating to saving money while shopping at Mercadona often attracts considerable public attention.

However, it is important to note that García’s comments reflect his own assessment of retail merchandising practices rather than an official statement from the company. Mercadona has not publicly stated that products placed on middle shelves are more expensive. Instead, García’s remarks refer to a broader supermarket strategy commonly discussed by economists, retail specialists and consumer advisers.

Looking beyond the first product on the shelf

For consumers hoping to reduce grocery costs, García’s advice is straightforward: take a moment to look beyond the products positioned directly in front of you. Checking higher and lower shelves, comparing prices between similar products and reviewing the cost per kilogram or litre can help shoppers make more informed decisions.

While no single tactic will dramatically reduce a household’s food bill, small savings made consistently throughout a supermarket shop can add up over time. The economist’s recommendation serves as a reminder that the way products are displayed can be just as important as the products themselves when it comes to managing spending and finding value in the supermarket aisle.

According to information provided by Madrid City Council’s Directorate-General for Sustainability and Environmental Control, Municipal Police carried out measurements during the AC/DC concert which recorded sound levels between five and ten decibels above authorised limits during night-time hours. Under Madrid’s environmental noise regulations, exceedances of this magnitude can be classified as serious or very serious infringements depending on the time period and degree of deviation from authorised levels. In this case, the breach was classified as “very serious”, triggering a significant financial penalty.

The regulations establish that exceedances of more than seven decibels at night, or more than ten decibels during daytime and evening hours, may be treated as very serious violations. The readings recorded during the concert were therefore considered sufficiently high to justify the maximum classification applied. The resulting sanction amounted to €80,800.80, making it the most substantial fine issued in relation to the 2025 events monitored at the stadium.

Wider set of fines issued for events at the stadium

The AC/DC concert was not an isolated case. It formed part of a broader set of enforcement actions linked to events held at the Metropolitano during 2025. An Imagine Dragons concert on 28 June 2025 was fined €500 after inspectors recorded noise levels four decibels above permitted night-time limits. This breach was classified as a minor infringement under the same regulatory framework.

Separately, the International Madcup Youth Football Tournament, held on 23 June 2025, was fined €180 following measurements that detected a four-decibel exceedance during daytime hours. This was also treated as a minor infringement. Together, these cases illustrate a range of enforcement outcomes depending on the severity of the noise breach and the time at which it occurred.

29 inspections carried out across 2025

Madrid City Council confirmed that Municipal Police carried out 29 noise inspections during events at the Metropolitano throughout 2025.

Of these inspections:

• 14 confirmed full compliance with authorised noise levels 
• 4 identified breaches of permitted limits 
• The remaining inspections were invalid due to procedural errors that prevented the results from being formally used 

The data indicates that while the majority of monitored events complied with regulations, a significant minority did not meet required environmental standards, contributing to ongoing scrutiny of the stadium’s operations.

Long-running tensions with local residents

The findings have further intensified a long-standing dispute between residents living near the stadium and event organisers. Neighbourhood associations argue that the stadium generates persistent disruption linked to large-scale concerts and sporting events. Complaints have included excessive noise, traffic congestion, parking shortages, litter accumulation, and restrictions on movement during event days.

Residents have also raised concerns about the stadium’s physical structure, claiming that openings in the design allow sound to travel more easily into surrounding residential areas, amplifying the impact of concerts. The issue has become increasingly prominent in recent months, particularly amid a series of high-profile performances at the venue, including concerts by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. These events have renewed public discussion around the effectiveness of current noise control measures.

Mitigation measures introduced by city authorities

In response to ongoing complaints, Madrid City Council has implemented a range of mitigation measures aimed at reducing the acoustic impact of events at the stadium. These include the installation of 408 sound-absorbing panels, designed to reduce sound propagation beyond the stadium perimeter. Authorities have also introduced controls on the orientation of sound systems during concerts, as well as continuous monitoring of noise levels on nearby building façades.

In addition, the council has stated that concerts are generally required to conclude by 00:00, although events held on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays may extend until 00:30 under current regulations. These measures are intended to balance the stadium’s role as a major entertainment venue with the need to protect surrounding residential areas from excessive noise exposure.

Ombudsman steps back as prosecutors investigate

Despite issuing findings and facilitating communication between residents and authorities, Spain’s Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, has decided not to continue his own investigation into the matter. He stated that the case is already being examined by the Madrid Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, which opened environmental proceedings on March 9 this year.

The Ombudsman added that residents would be able to return to his office if the prosecutor’s investigation concludes that no criminal offence has taken place but administrative irregularities remain unresolved.

One of the most significant noise penalties linked to a Madrid venue

The €80,800.80 fine issued in relation to the AC/DC concert stands as one of the most significant noise-related sanctions associated with a major entertainment venue in Madrid in recent years.

The case underscores the continuing challenge faced by city authorities in regulating large-scale live events within densely populated urban areas, where competing interests between cultural programming and residential quality of life remain a persistent point of contention.