Por Redaccion 
The reform of the ordinance related to the terraces of hotel units in the city of Murcia, which will come into effect from June, will allow, foreseeable and accessibility.
This was advanced by the advisor for young talents and public spaces, Sofía López-Briones, who appeared on Monday with the mayor of tourism, commerce, and consumption, Jesús Pacheco, and the president of Hoytú, Jesús Jiménez, on the roof of the Hotel Rincón de Pepe, which will host one of these terraces in 2027, after an investment of 7 million euros.
López-Briones explained that the new regulations, which are the result of "two years of work, many meetings, tensions, gatherings, and disagreements," will allow the installation of rooftop terraces, "following the trend of major capitals, not only Spanish but also European."
Furthermore, the reform of the municipal ordinance includes the regulation of water misters as authorized elements in the terraces and the replacement of parasols with umbrellas, which must have specific measurements and be a variety of specific colors.
The mayor explained that the adaptation of the new standard regarding the covers of already authorized terraces will be done "progressively" and through applications.
"The new cover licenses will not be granted, and in property changes, this type of furniture will also have special historical and artistic interest," he added.
As López-Briones commented, studies in Murcia will implement fees for hoteliers who request the change from parasol covers within the first six months from the definitive entry into force of the ordinance.
On the other hand, the consistency proposal, agreed upon with the sector, prohibits the installation of terraces in betting rooms, nightclubs, and dance halls, to "protect young minors who could access these places where there are games, betting, and alcohol activities."
The reform was approved at a governmental consistency meeting in January of last year. López-Briones explained that the initial approval will take place, predictably, in the plenary session of this month, so that "if all goes well," once the allegations are resolved, it could come into effect in May or June.
Change of Program
Furthermore, the municipal reform proposes a change in the terrace program, so that, from Monday to Friday, they can open at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, at 8:00. It should be noted that currently, there are two types of programs, in winter and summer, which will be unified in the new ordinance.
For the removal of terraces, the maximum program is set from Sunday to Thursday at 00:30 hours, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday eves at 01:00, when all the furniture of the public terraces must be removed.
The councilor explained that the ordinance also aims to improve accessibility and safety in spaces, "adapting to regulations and ensuring the peace of citizens and hotels and access for emergency vehicles."
In this regard, the new terraces cannot be authorized on sidewalks less than 3.5 meters wide, and a free space of 1.80 meters must be guaranteed, expanding dimensions by 0.5 and 0.3 meters. Likewise, the regulations ensure access for emergency vehicles, as well as Ford.
Moreover, for the first time, hoteliers will have the opportunity to obtain a permit to install or expand temporary terraces during neighborhood and district festivities, "something that will increase activity in various spaces and the enjoyment of residents on the designated days."
Additionally, terrace lighting must have technical and functional autonomy within the authorized space, without exceeding the authorized space in any case.
"From Mayor Ballesta’s governmental team, we continuously work through a city project for everyone, for responsible and healthy leisure time, always placing the citizen and rest at the center and also allowing this continuous revitalization of the business fabric, occupying the workforce. Work, create and guarantee security," said the councilor.
Another improvement proposed by the council is the removal of cables to prevent tripping and possible short circuits resulting from different electrical connections. Even refrigerators, televisions, meters, and billiards cannot be installed on the terrace.
For his part, Jesús Jiménez emphasized in the new ordinance the possibility of using building terraces, both hotels and others, for public use, which he described as "progress" for the city.
Regarding how many entrepreneurs were interested in this type of installation, the employer’s representative said that they are aware of five projects so far, three of them in hotel units, such as Arco de San Juan.
Additionally, "we will unite all those terraces that have gradually transformed over the years and are completely uncoordinated and disorderly, and there will be a general unification of the city center," he said.
Covid Terraces
Regarding the Covid terraces, López-Briones explained that it was a temporary measure that disappeared in 2024 and recalled that the City Council opened the door to a project to convert parking spaces into a terrace.
"Of the 27 applications we actually had, there are seven that we have been able to offer" OK "so far, because they have not provided the necessary documentation or have not met the remaining requirements," he explained.
At the moment, the local council is studying three of these projects. "We are waiting for the other four and we can respond shortly to start the work," said the councilor.