With a weather phenomenon called El Nino predicted to begin next month, Spain is taking extra measures to protect workers.
14:09, 30 Apr 2026Updated 14:13, 30 Apr 2026
Spain is introducing a new law that will stop Brits from eating and drinking outside.(Image: Angel Garcia/Getty Images)
A new law in Spain could see Brits being forced to eat and drink inside at bars and restaurants over the summer months. In a bid to strengthen worker protection, businesses will need to close terraces if high temperature warnings hit the country.
A recent amendment to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH) has introduced climate as a key factor in the organisation of work. This means that if Spain and its islands are hit with extreme heat, Brits will be made to sit indoors as terraces of bars and restaurants will be closed.
This move is a step forward in protecting the occupational health of workers who are typically forced to work outdoors even if temperatures reach dangerous highs. With the reform signed on April 13, businesses must act in accordance with weather warnings issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, this change is specifically important when orange or red alerts for high temperatures are put in place. As such, establishments will be obliged to reduce or suspend outdoor activities, with terraces remaining closed during periods of highest risk.
However, the bars and restaurants will still be able to continue their service inside the premises. Additionally, the update requires businesses to implement preventive measures, such as adjusted working hours and cooling systems, in a bid to minimise the impact of these new restrictions.
If businesses do not follow these new rules, they will be hit with hefty fines. For example, if staff are forced to carry out services on terraces under a red alert without adequate protection, this could result in fines over €50,000 (approximately £43,000).
If businesses do not follow the rules they could be dealt hefty fines.(Image: Andrey Rudakov/Getty Images)
These rules could come into force as early as May as climate phenomenon El Nino is forecast, which could bring above-normal temperatures to almost everywhere on Earth.
El Nino occurs every two to seven years as part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation natural climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean. This cycle flips between the warmer El Nino phase and the cooler La Nina phase, with neutral periods in between.
According to the Worl Meteorological Organisation (WMO), El Nino is set to develop during May to July and will bring elevated sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. This is said to strongly disrupt global temperatures and rainfall patterns.
How will the new law impact Brits on holiday?
If travellers are used to sitting outside with a cool drink and some lunch while exploring a new part of the country in the summer months, you may need to be prepared to change your habits.
Bars, restaurants and cafes will now be working in accordance to alerts issued by AEMET. If they do not have adequate shade or cooling systems, or temperatures are soaring into extreme heat, they will be closing their outdoor terraces.
Therefore, if tourists are out and about and see that terraces are closed, they will not be able to sit in them and get served by the business. Instead they will need to go inside for get food and drinks.
This is to protect workers who are struggling in the harsh conditions while being constantly on their feet waiting tables, so if you are looking for a place outdoors to sit when orange and red alerts are in place you will be unlikely to find it.
It should be noted that closing the terraces is a last resort measure, with businesses encouraged to make adaptations to shifts and increase hydration and rest breaks for staff.
If travellers are wanting an outdoor experience, it may be best to ask bars, restaurants or cafes if they are keeping their outdoor terrace open or if a closure could be on the horizon. Additionally, travellers can also check for temperature warnings so they will know what to expect once they leave their accommodation.