Tight nightclub restrictions in place for another month, says Catalan president

The Catalan government is wary of loosening coronavirus restrictions on nightclubs until "some weeks" after classes resume on September 13, with the return of two million students to school posing a huge challenge for a region still coping with the consequences of the fifth wave of the pandemic.

Under the measures currently in place, the nightlife sector can open until 12.30 am, but only their outdoor seating areas, while dancefloors and indoor areas must remain shut.

After spending 15 months closed due to the pandemic, the reopening of nightclubs last June provided some relief to a sector brought to its knees by the virus and the measures to contain it. But the easing of measures was short-lived, as the rapid spread of the Delta variant brought with it a U-turn on reopening plans.