Spain, with its sun-drenched beaches and cultural heritage, has long been a favourite destination of Britons.
Its nightlife is also a hit with visitors, but this may change as an initiative is being launched to restructure the hospitality industry.
Yolanda Díaz, Minister of Employment and Social Economy, said new rules will be introduced to reshape opening times that are "not reasonable". There are fears British tourists could go elsewhere if the rules are put into place.
Speaking to Spain’s Congress on Monday, Yolanda explained: “A country that has its restaurants open at one in the morning is not reasonable. It is crazy to try to continue extending hours until I don’t know what time.”
British tourists have been given a warning about new opening times
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Several high-profile figures have hit back at the prospect of earlier opening hours, including José Luis Yzuel, the president of Hospitality of Spain.
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, said on X: “Spain has the best nightlife in the world, with streets full of life and freedom. And they also provide jobs.
“They want us Puritans, materialists, socialists, without soul, without light and without restaurants because they feel like it. Bored and at home.”
The initiative also hopes to improve working hours for staff in the hospitality industry and will be an example of broader changes to come into place across the country, according to Díaz.
The proposal comes as several additional rules have been introduced since Britain left the European Union.
Visitors were recently alerted to a fine that is issued to tourists arriving in the country without valid proof of address.
Travel Insurance Explained said: “Since the UK left the European Union, the rules for travelling abroad have changed and British who are not aware of the new entry rules for Spain could face a hefty fine.
“Regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, Airbnb or a relative/friend’s house, if your trip is 90 days or less you will need to produce evidence of your pre-booked accommodation once you reach Spain.”
UK’s Foreign Office says British citizens to travel with one of the three following documents:
- Booking confirmation from a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb
- Proof of address if you are visiting your own property in Spain
- An invitation or proof of address if you are staying with family, friends, or a third party
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New opening times could reshape the nightlife in Spain
PEXELSAdditionally, visitors must ensure their passports are less than 10 years old before the date that they enter Spain.
It also has to be valid for a minimum of three months after the date you tourists leave the country.
One rule requires tourists to spend a minimum of £93 each day they visit Spanish islands. Generally, however, there are no special requirements or visas expected from Britons planning a short stay in Spain.
To find out about the rules, tourists are encouraged to visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travelling.