Court Blocks Closure of Historic Real Casino de Tenerife

A court in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has temporarily blocked the closure of the Real Casino de Tenerife, one of the capital's most iconic institutions. The Contentious-Administrative Court Number 3 issued an order on September 7, 2026, suspending the city’s plan to shut down the historic society.

In her ruling, the judge highlighted the casino’s deep historical and social importance to the city. She noted that an immediate closure would cause irreparable harm to the organization’s staff and its role in the local cultural scene. While this decision keeps the casino open for now, it is only a temporary measure; the court has yet to rule on the underlying dispute regarding whether the casino’s activities are compliant with city regulations.

The conflict centers on a long-standing disagreement between the casino and the City Council over building permits and safety regulations for the events held at the venue. Despite an attempt to resolve these issues through a working group earlier this year—where both sides discussed technical requirements like noise control—no final agreement was reached, leading the casino to seek legal protection.

For the casino’s board, led by Beatriz Barrera Vera, the ruling brings much-needed stability for members and employees. The board stated it intends to continue normal operations while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the city. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has stated it will respect the judicial process, leaving the final outcome to the courts as they weigh the importance of preserving local heritage against strict urban planning rules.