Ibiza will soon implement party detectives in an effort to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases it is experiencing. The island is largely closed to visitors, so Spanish officials believe cases are increasing because of illegal parties being held.
“[Illegal parties] are not only an issue related to public order, which they have always been, but now they pose an obvious risk to people’s health. Police themselves say it’s difficult for them to infiltrate, as they aren’t known to locals…. [Party detectives are] a necessity to safeguard the health situation in Ibiza,” said Mariano Juan, Consell Insular de Ibiza.
In response, the Spanish government will hire foreigners between the ages of 30 and 40 to go undercover and report on illegal parties to authorities.
Currently, there are very strict regulations in place surrounding entertainment venues in Ibiza. Venues must close by 2AM. No alcohol sales are permitted between 9:30PM and 8:00AM. A maximum of six people are allowed to sit together indoors. Ten are allowed to sit together outdoors. Businesses that violate these strictures can be fined up to $676,000.
Such restrictions are a vast discrepancy compared to the all-out party culture Ibiza is known for with parties sometimes running for over 24 hours straight. The illegal parties that are continuing are largely happening on private property. The party detective plan will be aimed at such private events. Rollout is expected to begin this summer.
