Social media possible explanation for Spanish bar closures

THE growing popularity of social media could be one of the factors leading to the closure of significant numbers of Spanish bars.

More than 19,000 pubs and bars across the country have closed their doors since 2010, according to figures published by the Hosteleros de España trade association, or an average of 2,400 a year.

Businesses calling their final last orders have been particularly concentrated in town and city outskirts, rural areas and small villages.

Association secretary general Emilio Gallego highlighted a fall in consumption at night and in the early hours in the nation’s watering holes.

“These are now new times for consumption, but the night-time is suffering a lot. Many establishments close because before to meet people you had to go to a disco or pub, but now there are apps for getting a date”, Gallego commented.

On a positive note, the report shows sales for the sector increased by seven per cent between 2010 and 2018 to more than €36,000 milllion.

The figures also reveal that bars still represent nearly 60 per cent of the country’s catering establishments, which includes tourist accommodation, with more than 183.000 in all.

This means that on average there is a bar for every 255 Spaniards.