Spanish nightclubs are facing possible closure at their peak times during the summer due to a nationwide ice shortage.
Although bar, restaurant and nightclub owners are rushing to stores to stock up on ice, there is still an anxiety surrounding the news, reports the Mirror. High energy prices are being blamed for the lack of supplies, and, as a result, the price of ice bags is also increasing.
A nightclub owner in Palma has revealed to the local island newspaper, Ultima Hora, that he may need to shut down his hotspots temporarily if the ice shortage persists. Jose Perez runs Grupo Palma Ocio, that operates two nightclubs called Templo Palma and Backstage.
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Jose said: "We’ve spent the last 10 days fighting to get hold of ice. If we don’t have ice we can’t sell drinks with spirits in them and if that happens, we can’t open.”
A third heatwave across Spain, coupled with high electricity prices has caused problems across the country. Fernando Plazas, general director of Procubitos Europe which is Spain’s largest ice producer, said: “There is ice but less than the market needs.”
A spokesperson for Spain's biggest retailer, Mercadona, told Reuters: "The increased demand due to the high temperatures is leading to hoarding."
The heatwave is also causing massive issues for locals, as weather officials revealed that July had been the driest so far this year, and the second-hottest since at least 1950. Glasgow Live reported earlier this week that a warning has been directed at Scottish holidaymakers, of major new air con rules which could leave holidaymakers 'sweltering' amid the country's current heatwave.
The new law forms part of a set of energy saving measures in Spain, which also bans people from raising their heating above 19C over the winter period.
Tourists might want to consider the brand-new rules while heading on holiday to Spain, with blistering temperatures of 42C forecast in certain areas of the country. Further energy measures in Spain include switching off store window lights after 10pm and shops will be obliged to keep doors closed and heating systems must be checked more often to increase efficiency.
The government passed the bill as part of a bid to reduce the country’s gas consumption by 7 per cent. Spanish public institutions already operate similar energy-saving regulations. The government says the measures will not only save energy but will also bring down bills for households and businesses.
For more information on the new laws across the popular holiday destination, visit the British Government website here on local laws and customs in Spain.
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