Spain's hospitality sector faces new heat‑related outdoor work restrictions

A recent Lancet study identified the Canary Islands as the European region with the greatest loss of outdoor work hours due to extreme heat, affecting hospitality, cleaning, gardening and maintenance staff. Workers often endure temperatures above 40 °C without a regional occupational‑risk plan, leading to health risks such as heat‑induced tachycardia.

In response, Spain has amended the VI Labour Convention for the hospitality sector. Bars and restaurants must now assess whether to close terraces during heat waves if they cannot guarantee safe conditions for staff. The regulation requires risk assessments, shade or cooling measures, adjusted schedules, provision of water and protective clothing, and imposes fines up to €983,736 for non‑compliance. The new rules come as Catalonia endures its third summer heat wave, with temperatures reaching 38.2 °C and heightened fire‑risk alerts. The combined findings highlight growing occupational health challenges from climate‑driven heat and the legal steps taken to protect vulnerable outdoor workers.