Tourists in Barcelona who will want to enjoy their drink outside in the winter will have to come to terms with the idea that they will not avoid the cold.
This is because from January 1 there are no outdoor heaters in restaurants, cafes and entertainment shops.
Tourists in December were the last to enjoy a drink or meal outside with heaters before their use is banned in 2025 due to carbon emissions.
The ban came into effect on January 1, following a years-long battle between the city council and restaurant owners who fear they will lose many customers due to the decision.
The measure was first introduced in 2018, but the city council decided to phase out outdoor heaters to smooth the transition for visitors.
Which heaters will still be allowed and for how long
Electric heaters with a capacity of no more than 150 W/m2 will still be allowed from November 1 to April 30, the city council said in a statement on December 17.
The measure is also in effect in France
According to the independent, heated outdoor seating areas have already been banned in France.
Energy saving groups have reported that using them on a 75m2 terrace during the winter emits as much CO2 as a car going around the world three times.
Why the measure was not implemented in Madrid
In Madrid there was also an attempt to ban outdoor heaters but the measure was ultimately not implemented after a local court ruled that the city council failed to prove they contributed to global warming.
