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For many holidaymakers venturing to sunnier destinations such as Spain, one of the greatest pleasures is dining outdoors for lunch or dinner, basking in the sunshine while enjoying a cold beer and tapas.

However, this summer, new restrictions could mean you are unable to savour your paella al fresco, and it's particularly bad news for Brits with holidays booked in May 2026.

A recent amendment to the National Labour Agreement for the Hospitality Sector (ALEH), which safeguards workers such as waiting staff, means that during periods of extreme weather, bars and restaurants will be required to close their terrace for health and safety reasons.

According to Majorca Daily News, when Spain issues orange or red weather alerts due to soaring temperatures, businesses with outdoor terraces will be compelled to either reduce or suspend outdoor operations. They may, however, continue to serve customers indoors. Businesses must also ensure adequate cooling systems are in place inside, or will need to modify working hours for staff to limit the impact of the heat.

Brits heading to Spain or any of its islands in May are likely to find that these new regulations significantly affect their dining options. A weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which brings prolonged warm temperatures across the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years, is forecast to return next month. This drives up temperatures across much of the globe, and frequently triggers red weather alerts throughout Spain. Currently, the forecast remains under review, though reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicate it could be a 'strong event' this year, meaning particularly scorching temperatures between May and July, reports the Mirror.

Businesses failing to comply with the new regulations - for instance by forcing waiting staff to work outdoors during a red alert - could face fines exceeding €50,000 (around £43,000), imposed by the country's Labor and Social Security Inspectorate.

A reduction in outdoor dining options is not the only change awaiting Brits this summer. Holidaymakers arriving at Spanish and other EU airports will now be required to use the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has reportedly triggered lengthy queues at some of the busiest airports.

Further Spanish cities, including the port of Vigo, are introducing tourist taxes in an effort to manage the effects of overtourism, while Barcelona is redirecting cruise ships to a port further from the city centre to tackle overcrowding.

Spain also maintains a number of existing rules for Brits to adhere to, amongst them a crackdown on vaping and smoking in public spaces, restrictions on the type of footwear permitted while driving, and even a ban on going shirtless in certain well-known beach resorts.

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