Spain is responding to rising extreme temperatures: new workplace safety measures could lead to the temporary closure of bar and restaurant terraces during heatwaves. The aim is to provide better protection for hospitality workers.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
New rules for extreme heat
Given the increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, Spain is tightening regulations on outdoor working conditions. The measure is based on a new agreement in the hospitality sector that obliges businesses to actively protect their employees from extreme weather conditions.
Once the national weather agency AEMET issues official warning levels – particularly Orange (high risk) or Red (extreme danger) – employers are required to take action.
This means that if safe outdoor working conditions can no longer be guaranteed, terrace operations may be restricted or completely suspended.
Protection of employees in focus
At the centre of the measures are the working conditions of waiters, kitchen staff and other employees who are frequently exposed to high temperatures. Employers will be required to adjust their workflows accordingly. This includes, among other things, making working hours more flexible so that the hottest parts of the day can be avoided. It also requires ensuring sufficient breaks as well as a continuous supply of drinking water.
In addition, businesses are encouraged to provide appropriate protective measures such as shaded areas or cooling systems. Shifting work hours to the early morning or late evening is also among the recommended measures. Only when all these precautions are insufficient is the closure of terraces considered a necessary step.
No general closure
It is important to note that the new rules do not mean an automatic shutdown of all terraces during heat. Restaurants and bars are still allowed to use their outdoor areas, provided they can implement the required protective measures.
This means in practical terms that there must be sufficient shade available and options for cooling or ventilation. What is crucial is that the safety and health of employees are guaranteed at all times. Closure therefore remains a “last resort” and depends on the specific local conditions.
High penalties for violations
Businesses that fail to comply with the regulations face significant penalties. In severe cases, fines of over 50,000 euros can be imposed.
With these clear rules, the government aims to ensure that worker protection does not remain merely on paper, but is consistently enforced in practice.
Impact on guests and tourists
For holidaymakers and locals, the familiar scene in Spain’s cities and coastal regions could change noticeably. Terraces, which have long been a staple of social life, may be temporarily closed, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
At the same time, indoor areas of restaurants will remain open, ensuring that gastronomic services continue to be available. Many establishments are likely to shift their opening hours more towards the evening, when temperatures drop and spending time outdoors becomes more comfortable again.
Possible regional differences
The implementation of the regulations may vary depending on the region. Stricter measures are expected particularly in southern parts of the country, where extreme temperatures are regularly reached.
In cooler regions, however, the restrictions may be less severe, as the heat-related burden is lower there.
Response to climate change
The new regulations are part of a broader adaptation to the effects of climate change. Spain is one of the European countries most affected by rising temperatures, which is increasingly becoming evident in everyday working life as well.
With these measures, the government is seeking to strike a balance between protecting workers, the economic interests of the hospitality sector, and the expectations of tourists.
