Canaries confirms that nightlife will not be able to open in the islands

The Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands has confirmed today that nightlife venues will not be allowed to open until there is an agreement from the Regional Governing Council.

They are adamant that the regulations and closing times of establishments continue as now, according to the level of alert in each island.

Currently, La Palma, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuerteventura are at level 1, which means a maximum of ten people per table on terraces (100% capacity,), six inside (with maximum of 75% of the capacity), and four at the bar, with a closing time of midnight.

Meanwhile, Tenerife, Lanzarote and La Graciosa are on level 2, which involves six per table on terraces (up to 75% of the capacity), four inside (maximum 50% of capacity), and two at the bar, with a closing time also of midnight.

On the other hand, the Official State Gazette (BOE) published this morning (Saturday) the agreement of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System on the declaration of coordinated actions against Covid-19.

This agreement was approved nationally in last Wednesday's session of the Interterritorial Council with the votes against the autonomous governments of the Community of Madrid, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, Andalusia and Murcia.

The publication indicates that the opening of nightlife venues may be authorized when the epidemiological situation of the territorial area of reference for the control of Covid-19 of the autonomous community in which the premises is located, is outside the levels of risk or alert level 1 according to the document 'Coordinated response actions to control the transmission of COVID-19. In both scenarios, the recommendations proposed for alert level 1 in said document will be followed.

The consumption of beverages and food, both indoors and outdoors, will be done sitting at tables, ensuring the maintenance of the proper safety distance of at least 1.5 metres between the chairs of different tables.

In addition, it will not be possible to exceed 50% of the maximum capacity inside the premises. The outdoor terraces of these establishments may occupy all the tables allowed, always ensuring the aforementioned distance between tables, and the tables will have a limit of six people indoors and ten people outdoors.  

The closing hours of these establishments will be at the latest at 02.00 hours, and may be extended until 03.00 hours.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, when the territorial unit of reference for the control of Covid-19 of the autonomous community in which the premises is located is at alert level 2, as long as the complementary indicators for estimating the level of alert shows a favorable evolution, the autonomous community may consider authorizing the opening of nightlife venues with the restrictions proposed in the coordinated response actions document.

Hospitality and terraces:

In bars, restaurants and terrace establishments, including beach bars and restaurants, the publication reflects that in the territories outside the risk levels the allowed capacity will be 50% indoors, being able to increase by 10% if risk control measures are applied that guarantee a high level of ventilation and air quality control.

On the outdoor terraces, all the permitted tables may be occupied, ensuring the maintenance of the proper safety distance of at least 1.5 metres between the chairs of different tables.

Likewise, bar service and consumption is allowed, maintaining the aforementioned distance. Tables will have a limit of six people indoors and ten outdoors. At alert levels 1 to 4, the provisions of the coordinated response actions document will be followed.

The document published this Saturday in the BOE highlights that the closing time of these establishments will be at the latest at 01.00 and they will stop serving at midnight.

The document points out that smoking is not allowed on public roads or in outdoor spaces when a minimum interpersonal distance of at least 2 metres cannot be respected. This limitation will also be applicable to the use of any other tobacco inhalation device, water pipes, hookahs or similar products.

Likewise, it will not be allowed to smoke, consume other tobacco products, or consume electronic cigarettes in the area designated for the public of events and non-ordinary mass outdoor activities.