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Nightclubs In Balearic Islands To Remain Closed As Rest of Spain Reopens

Nightclubs In Balearic Islands To Remain Closed As Rest of Spain Reopens

Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol said nightlife is not considered a ‘priority’ at this time

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

The president of the Balearic Islands has issued a decree ordering nightclubs to remain closed as Spain emerges from lockdown.

The decree was published in the Official Bulletin of the Balearic Islands yesterday (7 June), with president Francina Armengol saying nightlife is not considered a 'priority' at this time.

Like the rest of Spain, as of today (8 June), the Balearics - which include party hotspot Ibiza - have entered phase three of the government's easing of lockdown.

But while nightclubs are now authorised under this phase, Armengol's decree means that venues in the Balearic Islands will not be permitted to follow suit.

Armengol said: "We are not in the conditions to allow nightlife, it is not a priority."

Ibiza, Balearic Islands.
PA

According to Moncloa, Armengol added that only zoos and aquariums will be allowed to open within the tourism sector for now, and with certain limitations.

"It is time to bet clearly on quality, family-friendly and respectful tourism," Armengol said.

"Not only with the space but also respectful and responsible against a disease that spreads very quickly."

The Balearic president also cited outbreaks in other countries linked to nightlife, where conditions have proven difficult to maintain social distancing measures.

Elsewhere in Spain, late night bars and clubs will be able to reopen - though there will be many restrictions.

Venues must cut their capacity by two-thirds, and should adapt any area usually used for dancing by allocating it as extra seating space with tables and chairs.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands.
PA

The government's formal order stated: "When there is a space on the premises for a dancefloor or similar, it can be used to install tables or groupings of tables."

Bars and clubs have also been told they may open up terraces to provide additional space for customers, who will have to wear face masks.

Meanwhile, over in the UK, ministers are said to be targeting 22 June as a date for reopening the outdoor areas of England's pubs and restaurants.

The hospitality industry had previously been told pubs would not be able to reopen before 4 July but that it could even be later.

However, a new report in the Financial Times claims the government is considering 22 June as a target date to allow venues to serve customers outdoors.

According to the outlet, 'three senior Whitehall officials said the target date was 22 June', despite an official line from Downing Street saying, 'no date had been set for the reopening of beer gardens, marquees and terraces'.

The report goes on to say that the cabinet will discuss these plans tomorrow (Tuesday 9 June).

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: nightlife, World News, News, Coronavirus, Spain