‘So difficult’ Expat in Spain shares ‘disappointment’ for tourists amid latest rules
Spain: British expat questions enforcement of Covid passes
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Tenerife was plunged into tier four on Monday, January 10, and restrictions are set to last until at least January 20. With the service industry majorly impacted, hospitality workers are sure to suffer. Ferghal Flaherty, an Irish expat who co-owns an Irish pub on the island, slammed the new measures.
The Irishman, who co-owns Irish music pub the Hole in the Wall, took to Facebook to express his distress and annoyance that Tenerife was implementing new Covid measures that would affect tourism.
He stated: “What a difference a day makes. New restrictions are just a kill joy.
“It’s so difficult turning our regulars away and seeing the disappointment on their faces.”
Ferghal has been forced to shut his doors to some customers as new restrictions require that capacity for hotels and restaurants is reduced to 75 percent outdoors and 33 percent indoors.
In tier two, indoor capacity for bars, restaurants and cafes was restricted to 50 percent capacity.
Another restriction, reported by whatsontenerife.com, stated: “Non-EU residents (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) must be fully vaccinated to enter Tenerife.
“You must be fully vaccinated to enter bars, restaurants and cafes with a capacity of 30 people or more.”
While Tier 3 allowed for bars and restaurants to stay open until 1am if their license allowed for it, Tier 4 requires hospitality businesses to close at midnight.
Ferghal continued: “Believing that reducing the hospitality industry by another 17 percent and one hour less is going to stop the infection rate is nonsensical.
“They are allowing thousands of tourists on to the island but they don’t want them enjoying themselves. Yes, people come for winter sun, but if they force many of our fellow entertainment establishments to close, a big percentage of tourists will not come.”
According to European Best Destinations, Tenerife is “sunshine lovers’ favourite destination; it is perfect for young and old”.
However, tourists to the island are likely to experience issues with letting loose and enjoying themselves amid the new strict rules.
As well as a reduced capacity in bars, holidaymakers will have to wear masks indoors unless seated at a table.
Revelry and mingling amongst tourists will be taking a backseat for the moment, to holidaymakers’ disappointment.
Yet Hole in the Wall co-owner Ferghal remains optimistic and resilient.
He stated: “We are the heart and soul of the tourist industry and fools them if they think doing what they’re doing is going to solve the problem.”
He continued, saying that while the easy option would have been to cut their losses, he felt a responsibility to their “loyal family”, who have kept them going.
“We have had good weeks and bad weeks but we are moving in the right direction, our hard work and passion for what we do will out do any power hungry government officials who never got their hands dirty doing an honest days work or anyone who feeds off the demise of other people.”
Ferghal concluded: “Where there is unity there is victory.”
Lovers of the Irish pub flooded to the comments expressing their gratitude for the Hole in the Wall; Ann Kennell described the news as “soul destroying” for the pub.
Murray Leith stated: “Every government is a disgrace just now. Not one of them have a clue what they’re doing. They’re slowing killing the hospitality industry and anything that is connected to it.”
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