As COVID-19 cases continue to surge on the Spanish island of Ibiza amid a flurry of unsanctioned events that breach lockdown measures, the Spanish government has sought a new way to combat the spread of the deadly virus.
It comes in the form of foreign “party detectives” whose purpose will be to infiltrate the illicit events and report any breaches of restrictions to the authorities. The detectives will be introduced following other new combative measures – like bans on household gatherings at specific times, and a hefty fine of up to €600,000 for party organizers caught holding any unlawful events.
“[Illegal parties] are not only an issue related to public order, which they have always been, but now they pose an obvious risk to people’s health,” Consell’s Mariano Juan told Periódico de Ibiza. “Police themselves say it’s difficult for them to infiltrate, as they aren’t known to locals. So we have to look outside for help.”
“It’s not easy as the profile we’re looking for is foreigners between 30 and 40 years old, but we have been working on it for two weeks,” said Juan. “I have no doubt that it will be up and running this summer… it’s a necessity to safeguard the health situation in Ibiza.”
Recently, Ocio de Ibiza, an organization representing the island’s nightlife sector, proposed a ban from established clubs and venues on any DJ or promoter caught throwing or attending an illegal party, in another attempt to quell the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
