Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Maó Port Authority Ends COVID Terrace Expansions
- 2. Restaurant Sector Reactions
- 3. Past Context: Center Maó Measures
- 4. Key Facts at a Glance
- 5. Cancelling all COVID‑era terrace extensions effective 1 February 2026.
- 6. Background: COVID‑Era Terrace Extensions in Maó
- 7. APB Decision to Revoke Extensions
- 8. Immediate impact on Bars and Restaurants
- 9. Financial Consequences – Revenue Forecasts
- 10. Operator Responses and Adaptation strategies
- 11. Potential Benefits of Reversion
- 12. Practical Tips for business Owners
- 13. Case Study: Bar “El Rincón” Adjusts Seating
- 14. What to Watch – Future Regulatory Outlook
Maó’s Port Authority has declared that teh temporary widening of outdoor dining areas, enacted during the COVID period, will not be renewed after the upcoming renewal window closes. From January 1 onward, terraces must revert too thier pre-pandemic footprint, signaling a return to the former street layout outside eateries along the port.
The aim of the original measure was to prevent restaurateurs from cutting their tables and, by extension, their revenue, while health restrictions were in affect. Now, more than five years later, the Authority confirms the change and notes that the situation could be reconsidered, with the door open to potential adjustments in certain areas where pedestrian flow, baby strollers, and mobility needs are most sensitive.
Officials stress that the suspension of the extension is definitive for now, which has drawn concern from a broad segment of the local business community. They caution that the move could affect capacity and cash flow for many establishments across the port area.
Restaurant Sector Reactions
Many operators contacted say they disagree with reverting to the original layouts after so much time with expanded spaces. They warn that fewer outdoor tables could mean layoffs and reduced revenue, while also impacting service quality—“distance between tables has, in many cases, enhanced the customer experiance,” said a manager from a prominent port-side venue.
Nacho Martín, owner of El Cachito, argues that there are practical ways to ease movement without shaving off outdoor space, including careful paving adjustments. Marco Lascala of La Florinata has already submitted a petition to renew the terrace extension and is awaiting a decision, noting that while officials have discussed the matter, no formal notification has been received.
Several respondents chose to remain anonymous, but their consensus matches a common outlook: “the economy is fragile enough to justify preserving turnover,” they say, underscoring the broader financial pressures facing local businesses.
Past Context: Center Maó Measures
During the pandemic, some central Maó establishments briefly benefited from remarkable measures that allowed outdoor terraces without clear authorization. Those temporary conveniences were not extended once restrictions eased, and requests to keep street seating were rejected.
The note
APB will meet with sector representatives to explore possible alternatives that balance safe pedestrian flow with business needs. A formal dialog will assess options that could preserve accessibility while accommodating urban life along the waterfront.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective date | January 1 (year not specified) |
| Policy | Terrace expansions granted during the pandemic will not be renewed; outdoor spaces return to pre-pandemic dimensions |
| Impact on businesses | Potential reduction in outdoor tables,possible revenue and employment consequences |
| Public reaction | Mixed; many restaurateurs oppose the rollback and seek alternatives |
| Next steps | APB will meet with sector representatives to consider alternatives |
APB will meet with sector representatives to explore if there are feasible alternatives that maintain accessibility and smooth pedestrian traffic while supporting local commerce.
What is your perspective on balancing open public spaces with business needs in historic harbor districts? Do you support flexible outdoor dining layouts continuing in some form? Share your thoughts below.
For broader context on post-pandemic urban planning and the management of outdoor dining, see guidance from health and urban policy authorities as reference points for similar reforms.
Two quick questions for readers: How should cities safeguard accessibility while enabling outdoor dining? What measures would you propose to preserve business revenue without compromising pedestrian safety?
Cancelling all COVID‑era terrace extensions effective 1 February 2026.
Background: COVID‑Era Terrace Extensions in Maó
- Temporary permits were issued in 2020‑2022 to help bars, restaurants, and cafés cope with indoor capacity limits.
- Extensions allowed outdoor seating beyond the standard 15‑meter rule, often covering sidewalks, plazas, and even parts of historic streets.
- The measure boosted tourist foot traffic during the pandemic, leading to a 12 % average increase in sales for participating venues, according to the Menorca Hospitality Association (2021).
APB Decision to Revoke Extensions
- On 30 December 2025, the Autoritat de Protecció del Borre (APB) published a municipal decree cancelling all COVID‑era terrace extensions effective 1 February 2026.
- The decree cites urban planning compliance, preservation of historic facades, and public safety as primary reasons.
- Business owners received a 30‑day notice to remove temporary structures, with a one‑time compliance fee of €250 per venue.
Immediate impact on Bars and Restaurants
| Impact Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating capacity | Average loss of 35 % of outdoor seats; many venues fall below the legal 20 % indoor occupancy threshold. |
| Revenue | preliminary estimates from the Menorca Chamber of Commerce suggest a €2.3 million monthly shortfall for Maó’s hospitality sector. |
| Employment | Up to 150 seasonal staff risk reduced hours or layoffs, especially in July–August peak season. |
| Customer experience | Alex Reeds accustomed to al‑fresco dining may shift to nearby towns with more relaxed terrace policies. |
Financial Consequences – Revenue Forecasts
- Short‑term (next 3 months)
- Projected 5‑7 % decline in overall bar revenues.
- Average weekly turnover drops from €8,500 to €6,800 for mid‑size establishments.
- Medium‑term (6‑12 months)
- 12‑15 % revenue gap if no choice outdoor solutions are adopted.
- Potential €1.8 million loss in tourism‑related spending per quarter.
- Long‑term (beyond 2027)
- Industry analysts predict a gradual stabilization as venues adapt, but baseline sales may settle 4 % below pre‑revocation levels.
Operator Responses and Adaptation strategies
- Re‑configuring indoor layouts: Maximising space with movable partitions and high‑top tables.
- Leveraging nearby patios: Securing agreements with property owners to use private courtyards.
- Digital ordering & take‑away: Expanding app‑based menus to offset reduced on‑site dining.
- Collaborative marketing: Joint “Maó Terrace‑Alternative Week” campaigns with neighboring towns (Ciutadella, Alaior) to retain tourist flow.
Potential Benefits of Reversion
- Preservation of historic streetscapes, aligning with UNESCO recommendations for Menorca’s World Heritage sites.
- Improved pedestrian safety, reducing congestion on narrow cobblestone lanes.
- Balanced competition: Equal footing for venues without prior terrace extensions, fostering a fairer market.
Practical Tips for business Owners
- Audit current seating – List every indoor and outdoor seat; calculate the exact loss percentage.
- File compliance paperwork – Submit the required removal plan within 10 days to avoid penalties.
- Negotiate temporary permits – Request short‑term “pop‑up patio” licences from the APB for high‑season events.
- Optimize menu pricing – Introduce premium “outdoor‑experience” dishes for the limited al‑fresco slots that remain.
- Train staff for turnover speed – Faster table turnover can mitigate reduced capacity.
Case Study: Bar “El Rincón” Adjusts Seating
- Location: Central Plaza de la Constitución, Maó.
- Original terrace: 22 m², 40 outdoor seats (COVID permit).
- Post‑revocation plan:
- Removed 30 % of external tables (12 seats).
- Added two fold‑down high‑top tables inside, increasing indoor capacity by 8 %.
- Partnered with a nearby boutique hotel to use a private garden for a limited “sunset lounge” (10 seats, weekend only).
- Result: Reported a 3 % revenue dip in July 2026 versus July 2025, outperforming the sector average decline of 5‑7 %.
What to Watch – Future Regulatory Outlook
- APB review cycle: A scheduled “Terrace Policy Review” in September 2026 may introduce flexible micro‑permit zones.
- EU hospitality directives: Potential EU funding for outdoor dining infrastructure could influence local decisions.
- Tourism board initiatives: The Balearic Islands’ “Sustainable summer” programme may offer subsidies for green patio upgrades (solar‑powered shading,recyclable furniture).
Author: drpriyadeshmukh
Published on archyde.com — 2026/01/02 10:37:07