SPAIN’S bars could be reopening as early as June, nearly three months after the country went into lockdown.
According to the president of the Spanish Hospitality Industry Jose Luis Yzuel, they are hoping to allow businesses to start up again if they comply with strict regulations.
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There is no set date for when bars can start serving drinks again, but in order to serve customers they will have to use thermal imaging that shows whether someone has a fever.
If someone has a high temperature, they would then be barred from entering the premises.
According to Euro Weekly, Jose Luis Yzuel also said that bars will have to supply hand sanitisers, prove they undergo extreme cleaning, get their staff tested and increase the distance between tables on the terraces.
Bar owners are delighted at the news that they could soon be allowed to serve again, even if the new guidelines will mean extra work.
Mike Morris who operates the Bluebirds bar in Benidorm told the RTN: “It’s very positive and welcoming news.
“Work’s going to be even tougher with these regulations if they bear fruit from the Tourism minister and I really do hope they do, but at least we will be able to get our doors open and hopefully the till ringing again which has to be the main priority.”
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He added: “I haven’t heard anything official yet apart from the minister’s speech but hopefully, something will come through from my solicitors or accountant shortly and we can start preparing.”
Even if bars do reopen, there no sign that Brits will be able to get back to Spain for a glass of sangria this summer.
Trips to Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca and Formentera are already off the cards for holidaymakers from the UK because the country waited too long to go into lockdown.
President of Benidorm’s British Businesses Association, Karen Maling Cowles also told Sun Online Travel that it was unlikely that Brits would be allowed there either during peak holiday season.
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She said: “British tourism I don’t see happening until September. Because the UK is still so far behind Spain and until you have it contained, people won’t be allowed to come and have their week in Benidorm.”
Spanish beaches could also open as early as mid-June although it is likely that only locals will be able to enjoy them.
If the prediction from the Balearics Tourism minister is correct, it could be several months before Brits are allowed to bag themselves a sun lounger.
EasyJet is looking forward to next spring, after launching its Easter 2021 flight schedule five months early.
Cautious Brits looking to book holidays for next year can find flights to Spain available from £26.99 each way.
When Brits do finally return to the country after the coronavirus pandemic, they could see themselves benefiting from a beer price war.
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Bar owners have been boasting about slashing prices for a pint of lager across the Costa Del Sol and Costa Blanca, as bars fight to attract business following the lockdown.
Although they will almost certainly be advised to wear masks and will have their temperature taken when arriving at airports and ports too.
Tourism leaders have also explained that holiday-makers will have to sunbathe 6ft apart on beaches even after the end of the coronavirus crisis.
