La Laguna Extends Venue Hours for Seven Key Dates

La Laguna City Council has decided to let bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and party venues stay open longer on seven special dates between October 2025 and January 2026. This move, approved by the Urban Planning Department, aims to boost the local economy and cultural scene when many people are out and about.

The extended hours will apply to key celebrations like Halloween (October 31), the Christmas lights switch-on (November 28), White Night (November 29), the night before Constitution Day (December 5), Christmas Eve (December 24), New Year's Eve (December 31), and the night before Epiphany (January 5). Depending on the type of venue and the date, places like bars, restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, and dance venues can stay open until 3:30 AM, 5:00 AM, 7:30 AM, or even 8:30 AM.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez explained that this temporary change "not only meets a request from the hospitality industry but also shows our dedication to organized celebrations. Like other big cities, we're introducing this based on expert advice and legal rules. We've set clear conditions and are working with police so that locals and visitors can enjoy our traditions and events safely, in proper venues, and with full peace of mind."

Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Spatial Planning and head of the Urban Planning Department, added: "We've worked hard to make sure this extension fits with current laws, respects the city, and helps the local economy. The decision includes specific rules for each type of business and ensures they follow their licenses. Inspections will be stepped up and coordinated."

It's important to note that only venues with a valid city license can use these extended hours, and they can't offer any new activities not already allowed. Also, after closing, businesses will have 30 minutes to ensure customers leave in an orderly way, respecting the surroundings.

The councillor pointed out that these dates see a lot of demand from both locals and tourists, meaning a big boost in sales for bars, restaurants, and nightlife spots. It also encourages more customers to visit and broadens the food and cultural options available.

Experts believe that extending hours will help manage crowds better in public areas. By spreading out when people leave, it reduces the risk of too many people exiting at once, making it easier for security and emergency services. This staggered departure helps keep order, prevent problems, and encourages respect between party-goers and residents in entertainment zones.

Keeping licensed venues open longer also discourages people from drinking in unauthorized public places like streets. This extension, combined with coordinated planning involving local police, civil protection, national security forces, and health services, will improve the city's overall operational readiness.

The decision has already been shared with the Tourism and Commerce, Citizen Security, and Presidency departments. It will also be officially published in the Provincial Gazette and on city notice boards.