Many vacationers who travel to sunny destinations like Spain look forward to dining outdoors for lunch or dinner, basking in the sun while relishing a refreshing beer and tapas.
However, this year, there are new restrictions in place that could hinder the experience of enjoying your meal outside, particularly for British holidaymakers with plans in May 2026.
A recent modification to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH), which safeguards workers such as servers, mandates that during severe weather conditions, bars and restaurants must shut down their outdoor terrace spaces for health and safety reasons.
As per the Majorca Daily News, when Spain issues orange or red weather warnings due to soaring temperatures, establishments with outdoor terraces will be required to limit or suspend outdoor operations. Nonetheless, they can still cater to customers indoors. These businesses must also guarantee proper cooling systems inside or adjust working hours for employees to mitigate the heat impact.
Travelers from Britain heading to Spain or its various islands in May might encounter these new regulations affecting their dining preferences. An atmospheric phenomenon called El Niño, which brings prolonged warm weather globally every two to seven years, is anticipated to make a comeback next month. This phenomenon elevates temperatures in many regions, often resulting in red weather alerts in Spain.
The current forecast is still being evaluated, but reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicate a potential ‘strong event’ this year, leading to exceptionally hot weather between May and July.
Businesses that fail to comply with the updated regulations, such as requiring staff to work outdoors during a red alert, could face fines exceeding €50,000 (approximately £43,000) imposed by the country’s Labor and Social Security Inspectorate.
The absence of outdoor dining choices is not the sole adjustment British travelers will encounter this summer. Those arriving at Spanish and other EU airports will now be mandated to utilize the EU Entry/Exit System
