Bars and restaurants in the Valencian Community will be allowed to reopen part of their terraces from Tuesday 2nd March, with expected restrictions on groups of up to six people and a 6pm closing time.
The news comes after technicians from the Ministry of Health gave the green light to phased reopening from this coming Tuesday. The meeting of a working group between government and hostelry chiefs ended with the approval of 50% of terrace operation, after more than a month of closure in the Valencian Community.
This is a step forward for the hostelry industry, but with limits applied. Terraces will not be allowed to open to full capacity, and tables must comply with the established safety distances. It is also expected that groups of no more than six people will be allowed to sit together. Interiors of bars and restaurants will continue to be closed, a decision described by hostelry representatives at the talks as “bittersweet”. The possibility of using the interior space was discussed, especially in terms of establishments that do not have a terrace, but the Health department rejected proposals so for now, those outlets without a terrace cannot be operational. The reopening of interior space will be discussed at the next meeting, scheduled for March 9. At the next round of talks, hostelry representatives are expected to petition for 30% of the interior to be opened and to close their establishments in line with the evening curfew.