‘Pa amb tomàquet’ in Hotels: Common Sense or Regulation?

When things are a matter of common sense, there is no point in issuing decrees, unless the aim is to create grounds for penalties and potential revenue-generating fines. I am referring to the decree issued by the Catalan Government, which requires Catalan hotels rated four stars or above to offer local products at breakfast, including “pa amb tomàquet”, among other items. This is already common practice among hotels in the city, as well as in some hotels in Madrid, but I am reluctant to accept that a decree is necessary unless it is for revenue-raising purposes, intended to criminalise those who, for one reason or another, choose not to include Catalan products at breakfast.   Personally, I would have preferred eligibility for a fourth star to depend more on the hotelier’s sound judgement in serving guests in the best possible way and as they see fit, rather than on the fear of fines over whether or not fuet is included on the breakfast buffet. I do not know; it reminds me very much of the issues faced by businesses for not having their signage in Catalan. In any case, I suppose there must be a reason, although it is beyond my ability to understand. Even so, I am delighted, as I am passionate about this delicious delicacy from my homeland.