Spanish President Pedro Sanchez‘ May announcement that the country would once again allow foreign tourism in July gave many hope for Ibiza nightlife. Minister of Tourism Iago Negueruela has now disclosed Phase 3 reopening guidelines will forbid bars and nightclubs from reopening for the rest of 2020, and possibly well into 2021.
Diario de Ibiza reports that the decision was finalized in a meeting between Negueruela and Jesús Sánchez, the president of employers in the White Isle’s sector. Nightlife establishments have begun breaking the news to those hoping to enjoy the summer season in public statements.
“Following the news from the Balearic Government that no clubs will be allowed to reopen in Ibiza this season, it is with a heavy heart that we announce there will be no events at both Hï Ibiza & Ushuaïa this summer,” reads a joint statement shared by both brands. “This is clearly a deep impact for us all, however we understand that this is the correct decision taking into account the situation caused by COVID-19.”
On Monday, a number of business owners met to prepare a document outlining an alternative course of action and then sent it to Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol. Among other things, it proposed that bars and clubs operate at a third of their usual capacity and forbidding patrons from dancing.
Sánchez has scheduled a follow-up meeting with Negueruela in hopes of revisiting the matter.
