Following the LegalNews issued by this firm related to the COVID-19, we inform you that Barcelona is currently in phase 1 of the plan to return to the new normality after the declaration of the state of alarm.
Although the state of alarm is maintained, the so-called “de-confinement” has begun, a period which in turn is divided into several phases of transition to this new normality.
The aforementioned phase 1 relaxes certain restrictions that were established due to the health crisis, regulated in Order SND/399/2020, of 9 May.
In this note we will focus on the commercial sector and the reopening of:
A) Establishments and retail commercial premises and professional services activities whose activity had been suspended after the declaration of the state of alarm.
In the area of retail trade and services, the opening of retail premises and establishments is maintained with respect to phase 0, provided that they have an area of 400 square meters or less, and with the exception of those located within parks or shopping centers without direct and independent access from the outside.
B) Hotel and restaurant activities.
With respect to the development of hotel and restaurant activities, the reopening to the public of the open-air terraces of hotels and restaurants is established. The maximum occupation allowed will be ten people per table or group of tables, with a limit of fifty percent of the number of tables allowed compared to the previous year.
C) Opening of hotels and tourist accommodation.
Hotels and tourist accommodations may be reopened to the public, but always observing the sanitary measures and instructions for protection and interpersonal safety distance, such as cleaning and disinfecting at least every two hours the button panels of lifts or machines, stairway handrails, door handles, bells.
Thus, among other aspects, it is allowed that the catering and cafeteria services can be carried out when it is necessary for the correct provision of the accommodation service, and exclusively with respect to the hosted clients. This service may not be provided in the common areas, as they will remain closed.
However, the use of swimming pools, spas, gyms, mini clubs, children’s areas, discos, event rooms and all those similar spaces that are not essential for the use of hotel accommodation or tourist accommodation will not be permitted.
D) Automotive dealerships, vehicle inspection stations and garden centers and plant nurseries, whatever their useful exhibition and sales area.
They may reopen to the public by appointment, irrespective of their useful exhibition and sales area.
E) Itinerant markets
Markets that operate in the open air or that sell non-sedentary products on the public highway, commonly known as flea markets, may reopen when the corresponding local councils so decide (and they must communicate this decision to the competent health body of the autonomous community), giving preference to those that sell food products and basic necessities and ensuring that the products sold there are not manipulated by consumers.
The Town Councils will be responsible for establishing the requirements for distance between stalls and conditions for delimiting the market with the aim of guaranteeing safety and distance between workers, customers and pedestrians.
In any case, a limitation of 25% of the usual or authorized stalls and an influx of less than a third of the usual capacity will be guaranteed.
This Order also regulates, by way of illustration, the conditions for the development of active tourism and nature activities, hunting, sport and recreational fishing, among other activities, as well as the hygiene and prevention measures applicable to each of them.
We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments related to the effects of COVID-19.
If you have any questions regarding the effects of the COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact this firm by e-mail at info@busquets-abogados.com.