Spain, one of the most locked-down countries in the world, is soon to begin its three-phase reopening of the country. Beginning May 11, restaurants will begin serving at 50 percent of their capacity. Events will be allowed, but at very low numbers; 30 for indoor events, and 200 for any open-air events.

Their second phase will occur a little more than two weeks later on May 26th; 50 people will be allowed at indoor events, and 400 will be allowed outdoors. Along with this expansion, theaters, galleries and museums will also be allowed to open at partial capacity. The final phase is planned for June 10 will see outdoor events expand to 800, with indoor events capped at 80.

While a sound plan for easing social distancing restrictions, some promoters feel it is not enough. “It makes no sense for us to operate for only one-third capacity,” Eloisa Blitzer of Barcelona-based queer party MARICAS told RA. “Government gives no aid to collectives like us, which is very sad… My feelings for the government plan are conflicted, since for one side I understand these are the measures that must be taken, for health reasons, but I feel they are really not taking into account that for promoters or venues to open for [30 percent] capacity will only mean they are losing money, and again Spain is giving no aid to this scene since clubbing is not considered culture here.”

Loic Le Jolieff, co-founder of Brunch in Barcelona, explained to RA the complicated nature of the reopening plans. “Of course promoters in Spain last week were very happy. That was the first piece of good news—we saw some light at the end of the tunnel,” said Le Joliff. “But then we checked the details, and we realized that there are no details yet. And we realized there’s a lot of contradiction.” Spain will be one of the first countries in the world with the ability to reopen their nightlife venues, and will certainly be a model example if they pull it off correctly.

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