2000 capacity Ibiza club pilot event to take place this month

News

A 2000 capacity club pilot event will take place in Ibiza later this month after local government approved a proposal from the island’s nightlife association. 

José Luis Benítez, manager of the Eivissa Leisure Assocation, has confirmed the test gathering will be held on either Friday 25th June or Friday 2nd July 2021, at an as-yet-unannounced outdoor space. Speaking to radio network La Cadena SER, he expressed confidence the project “will be a complete success”, explaining he was “very satisfied” following a meeting with authorities. 

A maximum of 2000 people will be able to attend, or 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity. Just 500 will be allowed on the dance floor at any time, where mask wearing is compulsory. A 12AM curfew will be in place, in keeping with Ibiza’s standard regulations on outdoor parties, and QR codes will be used for entry. 

Prior to arrival, all ticket holders will need to obtain digital certification to prove they have received either one dose of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative antigen test result. Once inside, drinks are set to be restricted to designated seating areas. If the event is successful, and safety precautions prove adequate, Benítez believes Ibiza’s outdoor clubs could return two weeks after the trial. It is hoped this will coincide with the rollout of a new health passport scheme. 

As of last week, Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera had 77 active cases of COVID-19, with the islands’ respective 14-day cumulative total down to 22 and 14 per 100,000. There had also been no deaths recorded from coronavirus in more than six weeks. Even so, some restrictions remain tight. Shops are fully open, with bars and restaurants functioning at full outdoor capacity to a maxiumum of 250 persons. An enforced curfew of 11.30PM local time is in place. 

By comparison, inside capacity for bars and restaurants is capped at either 30 or 50%, depending on whether there is also an outside area available, with a limit of 150 persons. All indoor spaces must close by 6PM. For both indoor and outdoor sites, no more than four people can sit at a table. Nightclubs remain shuttered. 

News of the test event follows recent positive results from trials elsewhere in Europe. Late-March saw a 5,000 strong crowd attend a concert in Barcelona, with “no sign” of COVID-19 infections increasing in the aftermath. Test events in England last month yielded similar results. Nevertheless, concerns over the so-called Indian variant of the virus have already led to Scotland slowing its plans to reopen, with many scientists urging similar action for other parts of the UK.