What subtle shift might occur in highly trafficked tourist zones regarding the established free tapa custom?
Some establishments may charge a small fee for the tapa or scale it down significantly.
While the free tapa custom remains the central attraction, the text notes that significant expansion in tourism has led to subtle deviations from this norm, particularly in areas heavily frequented by international visitors. In these highly trafficked tourist zones, some bars might introduce a small fee specifically for the tapa, effectively charging for what is traditionally complimentary. Alternatively, the offering itself might be substantially reduced in size or quality, sometimes limited to the most basic items like simple olives or crisps, irrespective of the drink ordered, reflecting potential economic pressures or different clientele servicing strategies.
