Formentera rules out all activities resembling nightlife and parties

By executive order, the Consell de Formentera is temporarily suspending permits for live music and djs in bars, cafés and restaurants. The order aims to support a Govern balear resolution to modify the Exceptional Measures Plan (Pla de Mesures Excepcionals)—a document which requires the closure of establishments like banquet halls, dance clubs, discotheques, cafés offering musical entertainment and wine bars, as well as the cancelation of any comparable programming.

In addition to a license to operate as either a bar, bar-café or restaurant, most Formentera businesses possess an additional permit for music. Often the permits allow their holder to host live music or djs.

To give force to the guidelines and ensure entertainment equivalent to that typically found in nightlife establishments does not take place, the Consell de Formentera is ordering the suspension not only of secondary permits for bars and bar-cafés but of permits for musical entertainment at restaurants as well. Dinner-time entertainment—limited to musical instruments and voice—may take place, but performances must occur during regular hours and with standard decibel (dB) restrictions in place. Concerts and dj sets are prohibited.

Generally speaking bars, bar-cafés and bar-restaurants are restricted to background music, radios or TVs at low volume (under 70dBs). These must be off by 12 midnight.

Beach bars cannot play music or host any other activity promoting conduct comparable to nightlife. Particular care must be taken to prevent crowds and activities at twilight. Activities considered similar to nightlife will carry associated fines and/or closure of the establishment in question.

Consell de Formentera president Alejandra Ferrer said the measure was about upholding the rules and making them more compatible to the idiosyncrasies of Formentera. “It’s also about helping a sector which this crisis has hit hard. Bar and restaurant operators have first-hand experience with the rules and a very clear understanding of what’s required”.

Under new guidelines no new guests can be seated after 12 midnight and establishments must close by 1.00am. Diners must remain calmly seated and no more than 10 to a table. Among other measures smoking is prohibited unless smokers can maintain a two-metre distance.


21 August 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera