Overview
- Under the amended national hospitality agreement, bars, cafés and restaurants must halt terrace service when Spain’s weather agency issues orange or red heat alerts, though indoor service can continue.
- Employers must protect staff by shifting outdoor workers inside, changing duties or hours, and making sure cooling is in place.
- Labour inspectors can sanction breaches with penalties reported at more than €50,000 for endangering health and safety.
- The rules also require action during other official danger alerts such as heavy rain or snow to reduce risk to staff.
- The change comes as Spain faces hotter summers, including a 45.8°C peak in Jerez de la Frontera last August, with forecasters reviewing a possible strong El Niño that could raise alert frequency.