Many British vacationers looking to escape to sunny spots like Spain find joy in dining outdoors, savoring meals under the sun with a refreshing drink and tapas.
However, travelers from the UK preparing to visit Spain in the upcoming months may face challenges with outdoor dining due to new restrictions, possibly having to enjoy their meals indoors instead.
The weather phenomenon named El Niño, occurring every two to seven years and bringing prolonged warmth to the Pacific Ocean, is expected to elevate temperatures and may result in red weather alerts across Spain. While forecasts are still under assessment, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) suggests a potentially intense event this year, indicating exceptionally hot weather in the near future.
This weather update follows a recent adjustment to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH), ensuring protection for workers, such as waitstaff, requiring bars and restaurants to close their outdoor terrace areas for safety during extreme weather conditions.
According to reports from Majorca Daily News, when Spain issues orange or red weather warnings due to high temperatures, establishments with outdoor terraces must either reduce or cease outdoor services, shifting operations indoors. Businesses must also guarantee adequate cooling systems indoors or adjust employee schedules to mitigate the heat impact.
Businesses failing to comply with the new regulations, like forcing staff to work outdoors during a red alert, could face fines exceeding €50,000 imposed by the country’s Labour and Social Security Inspectorate.
Parts of Northern Spain are presently under an orange weather alert after a 40C heatwave followed by rain and thunderstorms. Earlier this week, AndalucÃa faced a yellow warning as temperatures soared into the 40s, with expectations of more severe conditions as the peak summer season approaches, possibly necessitating indoor dining.
In addition to reduced outdoor dining, British visitors in Spain this summer will encounter other changes. Travelers arriving at Spanish and EU airports are now mandated to use the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), causing delays at some of the busiest airports.
Several Spanish cities, including Vigo, are implementing tourist taxes to manage overtourism impacts, while Barcelona is rerouting cruise ships to a port farther from the city center to address overcrowding.
Spain has various existing rules for Brits to follow, such as restrictions on vaping and smoking in public areas, regulations on driving footwear, and a prohibition on going shirtless in certain popular beach destinations.
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