Pubs and similar venues in Orihuela and Torrevieja could face new operating restrictions from 2027 under a proposed schedule by the regional government. The draft plan aims to cap closing times for venues in municipalities with more than 50,000 residents at 04:30.
The Regional Ministry of Emergencies and Interior has drawn up the draft order regulating public performances, recreational activities, and public venues for 2027. While general operating hours remain largely unchanged, a significant modification applies to larger towns and cities: local councils will no longer be permitted to stack two separate extension options.
This measure directly impacts the Vega Baja area, as both Orihuela and Torrevieja have populations exceeding 50,000. Under the proposed rules, standard hours for theatre cafes, concert cafes, pub cafés, pubs, and karaoke bars will remain set from 00:00 to 03:30.
Local councils previously had access to two extension options but must now choose between them rather than combining both. Councils can grant a specific 30-minute extension to push closing to 04:00 or a general one-hour extension extending operating hours to 04:30. The new regulation prevents venues from combining both extensions to stay open from 03:30 until 05:00.
The regional government stated the change is intended to safeguard local residents’ rest. The ministry noted that combining both extensions led to venues running until 05:00, which was not the intention of the law.
The one-hour extension can apply town-wide or to specific areas, tied to factors such as local or patron saint festivals, tourist demand, population profile, or noise insulation standards. This is particularly relevant for tourist destinations like Torrevieja with seasonal fluctuations, as well as nightlife spots in Orihuela.
Different rules are set for municipalities under 50,000 residents, where pubs, karaoke bars, and similar venues will have a fixed general closing time of 04:00.
Other sectors face minimal changes under the draft. Nightclubs, dance halls, and party venues may open from 17:00 to 07:30. Banquet halls must close at 03:30, and lounge bars at 02:30. Standard hours for restaurants, bars, cafes, and milk bars (horchaterías) remain set between 06:30 and 01:30.
Extraordinary extensions for specific dates will continue. Venues can extend closing times by 90 minutes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and by one hour on the eves of Epiphany, 8th October, Christmas Eve, and All Saints’ Day.
The proposal remains in draft form and is scheduled to take effect on 1st January 2027, replacing current regulations.
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