The people’s paper ISSUE NO. 1849
10 - 16 December 2020
News
COSTA BLANCA NORTH • WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
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SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER
VALENCIAN COMMUNITY discos and pubs have been allowed to reopen from December 9. The long-awaited announcement came four months after they were closed down by Spain’s Ministry of Health in August. The Generalitat and representatives of the sectors involved closed an agreement allowing discos, pubs and other venues to open with the same hours and conditions as bars and restaurants. Pubs can open from 12 noon until midnight, while discos and nightspots function from 5pm until midnight. What the Generalitat described as ‘cultural activities’ are permitted but dance
floors must remain empty, with no standing at the bar as drinkers must be seated. Outside terrace capacity will be limited to 50 per cent and 30 per cent in the interior, with a maximum of six per table. Victor Perez, president of the Fotur association, said it was important that the owners of pubs, discos and nightlife venues led by example: “In other words, we must be exemplary in complying with all the rules.” Despite the good news, Perez warned that “in all probability” 300 of the Valencian Community’s 1,100 nightlife venues will not survive until January, as direct aid from the Generalitat
COVID CHRISTMAS: Ximo Puig and Ana Barcelo announced slightly relaxed measures.
would not arrive until the first three months of 2021. Following the good news for pubs and discos, Generalitat president Ximo Puig and Ana Barcelo, who heads the regional Health department, confirmed some changes over Christmas. The curfew and closure of the Valencian Community’s perimeter remain in place until January 15, but it will be possible to visit other regions to see close relatives on December 23, 24, 25, 31 and Januaryu 1. The midnight curfew has been extended to 1.30am on December 24, 25 and 31 as well as January 1. Up to 10 people can attend family gatherings on Decem-
ber 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1, although Ximo Puig recommended they should involved a maximum of two groups of persons who habitually live together. The hospitality sector may remain open until 1am on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1. Tables should be limited to six persons, but this can be increased to 10 for families or people habitually living together.