Bars and nightclubs will open again on Friday night (Jan 14th), after another three-week closure due to Covid-19, with customers without a booster dose of the vaccine having to test negative to get in.
According to the government resolution of 6th January, bars and nightclubs that have been closed since 25th December are allowed to open again on Friday, from 22:00.
The types of venue included are "bars, other drinking establishments without entertainment and establishments with a dance floor, even if these establishments are part of tourist establishments."
To enter these venues, customers must present a negative test for Covid-19, with the exception of those who "prove they have been vaccinated for at least 14 days with a booster" against the disease, or who have a certificate of recovery.
PCR tests done less than 72 hours previously, rapid tests less than 48 hours previously or self-tests done at the entrance are all valid.
The Government have decided to maintain the ban on consumption of alcohol outside, with the exception of "open terraces of restaurants and similar establishments duly licensed for that purpose".
As part of the containment of the pandemic, with greater restrictions during the Christmas and New Year period, nightlife venues have been closed since 00:00 on December 25th.
Prior to the closure, bars and nightclubs had reopened in October for the first time since the start of the pandemic, after 19 months closed.
On January 6th, the associations representing this sector considered the prohibition of drinking in the street "incongruous" and recalled that many clients of bars consume at the door of the establishments, which is even advantageous in controlling the circulation of the virus.
Another criticism is the exception of tests only for those who have already had the third dose of the vaccine, given that those who frequent bars and discos are age groups to whom the third dose is not yet being administered.
