The country has approved a new set of rules that will also allow heating to not be allowed above 19C in winter. The measures will apply to offices, shops, bars and restaurants, as well as public transport and transport hubs. Stores should keep their doors closed to maintain temperatures. They are part of Spain’s effort to reduce natural gas use by 7% under a recent European Union deal to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Lights will also have to be switched off in shop fronts and vacant government offices from 10pm, under the new rules. However, Spain is currently experiencing a very hot summer, with temperatures above 40C in many places, and the president of the Costa del Sol tourist board criticized the measures. “We want satisfied tourists, not burned tourists or those who are afraid to walk the dark streets,” said Francisco Salado. He called on the government to “spend mental energy on more effective measures.” He added: “It is as if this decree was written by a Martian, someone who is deeply ignorant of our country and who has not consulted anyone.” He added that it “makes no sense” to force hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, cinemas, shops, train and bus stations and airports to raise their summer thermostats to 27 degrees “right in the middle of a heat wave”. It was revealed earlier this week that tourists can continue to keep their hotel rooms cool because they are considered “private spaces”, but all other public spaces will have to comply with the new laws. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the new package last week, saying: “You only have to go into a shopping center to realize that maybe the temperature is too low.” Spanish public institutions already implement similar energy saving regulations. The government says the measures will not only save energy but also reduce bills for households and businesses. Spain is one of the hottest European countries in summer. The country has already experienced two heatwaves this year with temperatures expected to soar again in the first weeks of August.
