IBIZA has dealt a party blow for holidaying Brits as the coronavirus pandemic has closed superclubs until next year. Massive nightclubs in Ibiza are taking the decision not to open over summer due to the killer bug, and new rulings from the Balearic government. But, Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia, both big names on the nightlife […]
IBIZA has dealt a party blow for holidaying Brits as the coronavirus pandemic has closed superclubs until next year.
Massive nightclubs in Ibiza are taking the decision not to open over summer due to the killer bug, and new rulings from the Balearic government.
But, Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia, both big names on the nightlife scene, have pledged to return in 2021.
In a statement issued yesterday, the clubs confirmed: “Following the news from the Balearic Government that no clubs will be allowed to open in Ibiza this season, it is with a heavy heart that we announce there will be no events at both Hï Ibiza & Ushuaïa this summer.
“This is clearly a deep impact for us.
“However, we understand that this is the correct decision taking into account the situation caused by Covid-19.
“Now is the time to act responsibly above any other consideration, putting the health and safety of our guests, artists and team first.
“We send you all our love and gratitude and we look forward to welcoming you back again in 2021.”
Brits say they are devastated at the news, with thousands of comments being posted on social media sites.
Alex Dudley complained: “It’s a shame the Balearic Government made that decision when places like Croatia and Serbia are going full-steam ahead with parties and events this summer.
“The crowd that would have gone to Ibiza is just going to spend the money elsewhere at the expense of all the Ibiza workers who depend on the nightlife industry.”
Sarah Lapsley said she was “absolutely gutted for everyone involved” while another said they were “meant to celebrate my 30th Birthday in October”.
Another fan posted that “it means the end of the world” and another lamented, “that’s this year’s plans out of the window!”
Yesterday, the Balearic government confirmed that its ban on the opening of big nightclubs and discos in both Ibiza and Mallorca continues, with a suggestion that they might remain shut until a coronavirus vaccine is found.
However, some smaller clubs and nightlife venues have won a reprieve as they can reopen on June 21.
This will only apply to premises which normally hold 300 people – so long as they halve capacity.
In addition, dancing inside will be banned, and dance floors will have to be covered by tables and chairs, following the directive adopted by most other parts of Spain.
The U-turn will not apply to clubs or discos – regardless of their size – in “hotspot” party resorts such as West End in San Antonio, Ibiza or Magaluf in Mallorca.
The Balearic government says it is still working out rules for these smaller venues.
However, it has strongly denied suggestions by owners that officials don’t want them to open because they are being linked to “drunken” or “tourism of excesses”.
Ibiza’s nightlife association is holding out little chance of the island’s big clubs and discos being allowed to open again this year.
A spokesperson said that as Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia have taken the decision, there was no hope for similar-sized clubs.
