The Struggles of Nightlife Entrepreneurs in Puerto del Rosario: A Post-COVID Dilemma
The nightlife industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in Puerto del Rosario, the battle is far from over. Local pub and nightclub owners are grappling with the reality that their businesses will likely be the last to recover fully in the post-COVID world. For them, the fight to keep their establishments alive has become a daily struggle, echoing the sentiment found in the popular song “Resistiré,” which resonates in the hearts of many Spaniards as they navigate these turbulent times.
Understanding the New Normal
As per the “Plan for Transition to the New Normal,” the roadmap for reopening nightclubs and pubs has been set for phase 3—the last phase before full deconfinement. Residents of Fuerteventura are hopeful that this phase will commence on June 8, allowing them to step into their cherished nightlife again. However, significant restrictions loom large: establishments must adhere to safety protocols, implement social distancing, and maintain a maximum occupancy of one-third. Given these constraints, the question of how to safely welcome customers into lively spaces remains ambiguous at best.
The Night Begins at La Tierra
Before the pandemic, the nightlife in Puerto del Rosario often kicked off at Pub La Tierra, a historic venue that has been a cultural hub since its inception in the 1970s. Known originally as El Chineto, La Tierra has transformed into an eclectic space that serves both as an art gallery and a bar. Christian Schiller, the current owner, has persevered through various challenges, steering this iconic venue away from closure.
As the virus spread, Christian and others in the nightlife sector sensed that closing would be inevitable. On March 14, the government declared a state of alarm, abruptly silencing music across the nation. Christian faced the harsh reality of managing a prolonged closure, leading to an unsettling mix of uncertainty and financial struggle.
The Challenges of Reopening
As Christian awaits government support that seems never to arrive, he expresses gratitude for his landlord’s understanding—who waived the rent during this difficult period. However, reopening still feels daunting. With only one-third of La Tierra’s usual capacity of 34 people allowed, sustaining business becomes nearly impossible. The setup of the venue, with its two floors and small dance floor, complicates social distancing significantly.
Christian candidly admits that enforcing social distancing in a nightclub setting is almost paradoxical. While patrons may initially adhere to the two-meter rule, plates will seldom stay within the guidelines as social interaction naturally draws people closer. This sets a conflicting tone for an environment designed to foster connection and fun.
Navigating a New Landscape
As the nightlife scene shifts, La Farándula emerges as another pillar of the community’s evening entertainment. Owner Tony Pevida has transformed his venue into a nostalgic haven featuring pop music from the 80s and 90s. Despite the closure, he continued to engage with the community online, celebrating the 15th anniversary of his establishment—albeit under the constraints of quarantine.
The abrupt halt to operations left Tony grappling with rising costs while generating zero income. He emphasizes the necessity of an unmasked and unrestricted reopening, claiming that any limitations would render the business unsustainable. With an arena built for 180 patrons, restricting entry to just 60 renders the business model unviable.
Seeking Viability in Uncertain Times
The economic implications weigh heavily on Tony, who reflects on the nature of nightlife business: selling a week’s worth of beverages within just a few hours on weekends. The prospect of limiting capacity and operational profitability raises serious questions—should he pivot his focus from nightlife altogether?
The culinary pivot is on Tony’s mind, considering shifting his establishment from a pub to a café should conditions remain unfavorable. It’s a significant shift, but one that may allow for reinvention amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Assessing Future Prospects
Magma, another hotspot in Puerto del Rosario, has also felt the sting of the pandemic. General manager Adargoma Cruz faces a financial impasse, as his income has hit rock bottom while expenses remain unchanged. Ideas about reopening swirl through his mind, but the concerns over customer willingness to return to nightclubs linger.
Like Tony, Adargoma acknowledges that the challenge of enforcing safety measures in a nightlife setting is daunting. The difficulties of monitoring social distancing and ensuring compliance among patrons, especially after a few drinks, present an uphill battle.
The Underlying Lack of Support
Adargoma voices concerns about the disparities in support for nightlife versus other sectors like restaurants. There appears to be a glaring oversight in governmental assistance, particularly for nightlife venues that contribute significantly to the local economy and community spirit. Establishments like his are often overshadowed by the attention given to other businesses during crisis recovery efforts.
Despite the uncertainty, Adargoma believes the nightlife scene in Puerto del Rosario is essential. The vibrancy of the city—the lifeblood that sustains its residents—hinges on the survival of these nightlife venues. As they navigate through COVID-19’s aftermath, the future of Puerto del Rosario’s entertainment landscape remains intricately tied to social behaviors and health concerns that have fundamentally changed the way patrons engage with nightlife.
As the residents await the reopening, the collective hope is that the spirit of nightlife, embodied by establishments like La Tierra, La Farándula, and Magma, can emerge stronger from this crisis—clouded, yet not extinguished.
