Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar bars granted late-night terrace hours to 2am

Great news for outdoor hospitality venues and those who enjoy a late night in Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar as they will now be permitted to operate under longer summer hours following a new resolution passed by the town council. The local town hall has extended opening times for uncovered terraces until 2am during the region’s busiest periods of the year.

The decision was finalized after local business and trade associations requested changes to existing time limits to accommodate late-night dining during peak travel seasons.

New opening hours for bars in Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar

Under the new rules, uncovered terraces are permitted to remain open until 2am every day of the week during three specific high-footfall periods – 

• The Summer Season – From May 15 to September 15.
• Easter (Semana Santa) – From Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday.
• Christmas and New Year – From December 5 to January 5.

Previously, establishments had to comply with more restrictive general closing times outside of these windows. The local administration highlighted that the adjustment aims to support and boost commercial activity across both the inland town center and the coastal resort area of Torre del Mar.

Why have they extended late-night terrace closing times

Deputy Mayor and Tourism Councillor Jesas Perez Atencia presented the measure at a press conference, explaining that the decision responds directly to formal requests made by local traders’ and business associations from across the town.

Perez Atencia described the hospitality sector as a primary source of “life, employment, and economic activity” in the Axarquia area, noting that technical services spent months evaluating the concerns of local owners before drafting the resolution.

He noted that the extended hours cover “key dates when our streets see greater activity, businesses welcome more customers, and terraces become meeting points.” However, he explicitly stressed that the move seeks to support the hospitality trade “always within the law and maintaining the balance between economic development and residents’ right to rest.”

Strict rules and noise warnings for local bar owners

There was strong emphasis given to the adjusted schedule coming with strict rules

Councillor for Industry and Commerce Beatriz Galvez confirmed that local police will step up patrols to make sure bars respect neighbours and keep noise levels down. She also reminded the public that drinking alcohol on the street outside of designated terrace boundaries remains strictly illegal.

Officials warned that if a venue faces repeated noise complaints or causes disruptions, its late-night privileges will be revoked immediately, forcing them back to the earlier closing times.

Galvez concluded by thanking local business owners for working with the council to find a balance between a “strong hospitality sector” and the peace and quiet of local residents.

Great news if you like to dine and socialise (respectfully) into the early hours.