Published
Mon, Sep 27, 2021, 15:45
- Pending a final ruling by the Balearic high court, clubs can open with various restrictions in place, including vaccine passports, masks on the dance floor and 75 percent capacity.
Clubs in Ibiza will be able to open next month providing the High Court Of Justice Of The Balearic Islands (TSJB) authorises the use of Covid-19 passports for entry.
The news was confirmed earlier today, September 26th, by the Balearic authorities in a press conference, Periódico de Ibiza reports. If the TSJB gives the go-ahead, venues can reopen from October 8th at a maximum capacity of 75 percent. Attendees will have to wear masks on the dance floor and won't be allowed to drink while dancing. Closing times have been extended to 5 AM.
"It's totally last-minute," Igor Marijuan, founder of The Association of DJs And Producers In Ibiza and Formentera (AKA DIPEF), told Resident Advisor. "But the clubs have been preparing. It will be a starting point for next season. We're trying to encourage clubs as much as we can to stay open, maybe we can have a super long end of season that takes us up to Christmas."
Only establishments with a nightclub license will benefit from the new dance floor regulations. For smaller late-night venues, such as bars, the current 2 AM closing time will be extended to 4 AM, though social distancing, table service and the dancing ban will remain in place. All restrictions will be lifted at beaches and social gatherings.
Marijuan feels that the work of DIPEF has played a part in today's step towards reopening the clubs. But he worries that local DJs will not benefit from the changes as much as the bigger DJs that historically get booked for the big nights.
"We know we are responsible for the lifting of these measures," he told RA. "We hope the big clubs will make us part of the show, as the changes won't apply to the small clubs."
Mostly, Marijuan is feeling optimistic about next year. "We know next year will be the year," he added. "People are really looking forward to getting back to Ibiza. People want to celebrate and people want to dance, there's no doubt."