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Date Published: 06/01/2025

Murcia updates bar terrace regulations to include earlier closing times

All outdoor tables and chairs in Murcia will have to be removed a half hour earlier than before

Murcia is rolling out changes to its terrace regulations, aiming to strike a balance between the city’s vibrant nightlife and the well-being of residents. The updated ordinance introduces earlier closing times for outdoor dining and drinking areas, along with measures to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

The regulations haven’t come into force yet but under the new rules, bars and restaurants will have to close earlier. On weekdays, staff will have to clear away their outside tables and chairs by 12.30am while on Fridays, Saturdays and the eves of public holidays, closing time is set at 1am - a half hour earlier than previously allowed.

According to Councillor Sofía López-Briones, the adjustment seeks to balance the interests of the hospitality industry and local residents.

“With these changes we have managed to adapt the regulation to the reality of the city of Murcia,” Ms López –Briones said, adding that the new opening hours put Murcia on a par with other major Spanish cities.

Another important change in the regulations is the improvement of accessibility. Going forward, bars and restaurants won’t be allowed to put tables on footpaths that are less than 3.5 metres wide and a clear pedestrian space of 1.80 metres must be left (30 centimetres more than the current legislation).

Terraces must also adhere to new design standards. Umbrellas must be placed at least 1.8 metres from building façades and are limited to a maximum height of 2.7 metres. Materials used for canopies and parasols must be beige or ecru (a dull white or tan) and fireproof, creating a cohesive urban aesthetic.

For the first time, the ordinance addresses modern trends such as roof terraces and mist systems. Roof terrace applicants must provide proof of landowner consent, while mist systems, popular during Murcia's scorching summers, are now officially regulated to ensure their proper use.

Permanent fixtures on public footpaths, such as anchored parasols, are no longer allowed. Instead, all outdoor furniture must be mobile and removable daily to preserve public spaces.

The temporary ‘Covid terraces’, established during the pandemic in repurposed parking spaces, have been incorporated into the new regulations. The City Council aims to safeguard these spaces, recognising their role in supporting businesses during challenging times.

In other news: Tourism in Murcia ends the year on a high note

Image: Archive

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