In this sense, the association has made a proposal to the Balearic Executive to hold a pilot test for de-escalation, which could be held between 15 – 30 June in a room to be determined in view of the reopening of the clubs from 1 July. This test would be carried out in collaboration with the health authorities with the aim of creating a safe leisure environment.

The AOI has presented different proposals to advance the design of the de-escalation in a meeting held this morning by videoconference which was attended by the director of the Balearic Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Ibassal), Rubén Castro; general director of Public Health and Participation, Maria Antonia Font Oliver, and manager of Leisure Ibiza, Jose Luis Benitez, along with other partners.

This is what Ibiza’s nightclubs will look like this summer.

Benítez explained the “concern of businessowners and workers about the lack of clarity” when it comes to establishing a timetable for the opening of leisure venues and has put on the table “the initiatives that are carried out in other parts of Spain and the world through pilot tests to organize the future reopening of the clubs”.

These proposals, they point out, have mostly been organised with the support of local health authorities. “On the other hand, in Ibiza, where the most internationally acclaimed leisure establishments are located, the uncertainty is growing.

Pilot test

In this sense, the association says they want to “carry out a pilot test of reopening to assess how to open safely or at least have a clear timetable, a roadmap with the conditions to be met by the premises, if we can open the dance floor or not, the permitted capacity and schedules. We need answers,” said the manager of Ibiza Leisure.

“Our goal remains to work hand in hand with the Administration because we are convinced that only by joining forces will it be possible for Ibiza to be a safe, attractive, desired and sought after destination. Unfortunately the goal of opening the clubs in June as we originally requested is becoming increasingly difficult, but we are confident of reopening in July,” he added.

The AOI remains confident in the goal set by the central government and the European Union (EU) to reach the summer with 70% of the Spanish population vaccinated. The arrival of more shipments of doses to the islands, coupled with the acceleration of mass vaccination of the population and the maintenance of controls at the airport and ports, will be “fundamental” factors to advance in the elimination of restrictions, according to the manager of the AOI.

For this reason, Benítez explains that Leisure Ibiza has also presented to the Government different occupancy percentages according to ranges of capacity to facilitate the reopening of entertainment venues indoors and outdoors, and measures to prevent crowds that are in addition to other health and hygiene measures already included in the safety protocol presented recently.

Planning

The manager insists that employers and workers in the sector need to start planning their immediate future. In this regard he cites the “positive” de-escalation that is taking place in the catering sector, albeit with nuances. “These split schedules are not well understood. We have requested a review given the low number of infections recorded in our community. I think it is preferable that customers spend time after their meal in these premises rather than go in groups to other places where there is no control or health measures,” says Benitez at the same time showing concern about the end of the state of alarm. “The authority of the schedules are with the Government and they should strongly consider the effects of the closing hours of premises as afterwards, clients can move freely. We understand that it is better to stay in a bar or restaurant before they decide to look for a place to continue the evening without the sanitary measures offered by any legal premises. Even so, it is a first step, a roadmap towards normality in the restoration that must also be given to the music and entertainment sectors”, says the manager of the AOI. “We are convinced that allowing and protecting the regulated supply will be a retaining wall against illegalities. If we allow the reopening of entertainment venues with control, professionalism and caution, and increase surveillance of illegal parties without masks or health measures, Ibiza will be a safe destination,” he concludes.