Is the party over in Ibiza? (original) (raw)

The days of 24-hour partying in Ibiza are finally over. The island's new socialist government last week unveiled plans to rebrand it as a destination known for its beautiful countryside and historical heritage as much as its hedonistic clubs.

Key policies include ending large-scale construction projects, ensuring the only new hotels are in the five-star category and, most controversially of all, forcing all clubs to close no later than 6am.

'We are proud of having the world's best nightclubs, but we want people to be able to enjoy the days as well as the nights in Ibiza,' Josefa Mari Ribas, the tourism minister told Escape

While 6am may sound quite late enough for most, the ban will be a huge blow to some of Ibiza's most famous clubs, including Space and DC10, whose unique selling point is that they open when others close and continue all day, making it possible to party on the island at any hour.

Ribas also hopes to change Ibiza into a year-round destination and has been in talks with British Airways about starting the first winter flights from the UK.