Spanish bars will be required to close its outdoor terraces during heatwaves for the protection of hospitality workers.

During dangerous periods of extreme heat, barrs, cafes and restaurants with outdoor areas will have to stop terrace service.

On 13 April, an amendment to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH) was signed by hospitality unions to include climate as a factor in the organisation of work.

Driven by trade unions FeSMC-UGT and CCOO Servicios, an agreement was reached with employer associations Hostelería de España and CEHAT to modify the national labour framework.

Under the new rules, terrace closures will be enforced when the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issues orange or red heat warnings.

The new regulations plan to protect workers during increasingly extreme summer temperatures.

In July and August, temperatures in Spain can reach up to 40C in southern regions.

Last summer, the highest single-day temperature of 45.8C was recorded in Jerez de la Frontera on 17 August during a heatwave.

Now, if official alerts indicate danger, including extreme heat, heavy rain or snow, businesses must respond to official weather alerts and take protective steps for staff.

Waiters doing physically demanding work, such as carrying trays of drinks out of the shade, may have shifts changed or be moved inside temporarily if the heat becomes too intense for staff to work outside.

For tourists, that may mean a pause to outdoor service until temperatures drop if a terrace does not have adequate shade or cooling systems.

Indoor spaces will remain open under the regulation, with businesses that break the rules facing penalties of more than €50,000 (£43,000) from labour inspectors for breaching health and safety laws, reported Euronews.

The FeSMC-UGT union said: “This milestone not only highlights the progress made through social dialogue but also reaffirms the commitment of the signatory organisations to continue strengthening a collective bargaining model that guarantees rights, stability, and progress for workers and companies in the sector in the coming years.”

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