Nightclubs set to reopen in Mallorca but dancers must wear masks

Discos, nightclubs and other nightlife is set to reopen on the Spanish island of Mallorca after being closed for a year and a half in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

People may hit the dance floors as of October 8, the region's tourism minister Iago Negueruela said on Monday, in view of the low rate of infection.

"The Balearic Islands are practically returning to normal," he said.

However, dancers must wear masks, while those who are drinking but not dancing will be required to remain seated. Clubs are to close at 5 am.

The plans still need to be approved by the judiciary.

While nightclubs have been closed, bars and pubs have been permitted to serve patrons throughout the pandemic, with some restrictions in place.

A Covid-19 passport

Those seeking to embrace the island's nightlife must show a virus passport to prove they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered from it or tested negative for the virus.

Venues are likely to be able to only admit 75 per cent of their usual capacity.

The changes are not likely to have much effect in Playa de Palma, an area renowned for its nightlife, as many of the bars there prepare to close as the tourism season draws to an end.

However, the news is likely to be welcomed by operators of nightclubs in Palma as the industry has struggled since the coronavirus first broke out. Of the venues that have survived the pandemic, many have only made it thanks to state aid.