Ocio de Ibiza proposes ban on DJs that perform at illegal parties

Ocio de Ibiza has proposed a ban on DJs that perform at illegal parties in villas and other private locations, which “are becoming more and more professionalised.” 

The organisation — which represents the interests of clubs, venues, and other nightlife businesses on the island — made the suggestion that these DJs be banned from playing established venues in a meeting last week. The lack of regulatory powers to close down gatherings has led to the idea that the industry itself should take action. 

“We are very concerned because [illegal parties] are an endemic problem on the island and, unfortunately, the police can’t stop them,” said Ocio de Ibiza’s manager, José Luis Benítez. “The police are doing an incredible job, but they can’t get access [to the addresses] and so it’s time to think about taking action against the suppliers and the staff working there, including the DJs.” 

The proposals would hit back both at the artists performing at parties and those who organise them, addressing concerns relating to health and safety, work permits, and the exact nature of payments. 

“Of course, because they are working illegally and we can already guess how they are paid because these people are not registered,” said Benítez. “These are places with no health measures, where no standards whatsoever are met, so we should ban them.” 

The news comes at a time when legal clubs and bars are still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the local government of Spain’s Balearic Islands — which also covers Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera — introduced new restrictions on the Sant Antoni area of Ibiza in a bid to curb infection rates. In June, DJ Mag reported on how the island is planning for the safe return of events this year. Meanwhile, yesterday it was reported Ibiza’s first test club event, held in June, had reported no new coronavirus infections.