Close soon. An opportunity

We all agree that eating between one and two in the afternoon and having dinner between seven and eight in the evening would be a great step forward as a society. We all agree, or excuse me, most agree, that going to bed before eleven would also be a great step forward. We have been debating this for years and, despite initiatives like the one promoted in Catalonia and adopted by the Government, changing our habits is still difficult. Habits that have become atavistic, never better said

From the social and economic drama caused by the covid pandemic, some opportunities occasionally arise. Few, but they do exist. The latest is within the framework of the recent reopening of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Once restaurants have reopened, with capacity restrictions and limited hours, an opportunity arises that neither the Administrations, establishment owners, nor customers have visualized. Having to close at half past nine at night forces us to sit down for dinner around eight or even earlier, putting us almost at the same level as our French neighbors. You might say this is a problem, but I believe it is a great opportunity and we are wasting it.

It is true that if the curfew is at 10 p.m., the schedule is a bit tight, as you have to go home half an hour earlier. The restriction that the Government has imposed only makes sense if we do not move from the municipality. But looking beyond, when this impediment is lifted, the curfew should be extended to 11 p.m.

Having dinner at the restaurant between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and, at 11 p.m. at the very latest, being home would be a great step forward in correcting our schedules. We would get closer to civilized countries and perhaps sleep the hours we should. In Barcelona, and in Catalonia in general, we all have the feeling that we go to sleep like Spaniards and wake up like Europeans. As a result, we sleep little. There are quite a few studies that point to this fact as one of the causes that explain low productivity at work compared to other countries.

In Barcelona, and in Catalonia in general, we all have the feeling that we go to sleep like Spaniards and wake up like Europeans. As a result, we sleep little

Closing restaurants at 11 p.m. at the latest would also benefit the hospitality industry, as it would allow them to close earlier and to gain more quality of life, apart from better reorganizing the workday, which many people in the sector now have split. Because it is evident that if we incorporated the habit of dining from 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., we would also advance lunch to one in the afternoon or earlier.

The improvements it would entail are so many that, in addition, we would begin to bring order to the uncontrolled schedules of the pre-pandemic years. Especially among younger people, in matters such as the time to go out for dinner, set until now from 11 p.m. or later on weekends. A real madness that must be straightened out. Perhaps on Friday or Saturday one could dine after 8 p.m., but it would always be before this uncontrolled schedule in which we were installed.

Someone will wonder what would happen with this new time logic if tourists returned. They will return, no one doubts it. Well, what also happens in Paris or Rome or London would happen: in the most touristy areas, restaurant and bar hours are more flexible. A few years ago in some of these capitals, dining at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. was a real epic, today it is easy if you look for the right area.

The Government must seize the opportunity. The Office for Time Reform would do well to accelerate the implementation of the Pact for Time Reform, which works with a horizon of 2025. That is, we have it already upon us and it does not seem that we have advanced enough. Modifying habits of restaurateurs and clients is not easy, but as in many other areas, such as teleworking, changes are accelerating due to restrictions.

Modifying habits of restaurateurs and clients is not easy, but as in many other areas, such as teleworking, changes are accelerating due to restrictions

Until now, however, I have not seen any decisive action from the Govern or any other institution explaining and defending this opportunity. It is true that it takes courage to go out and give an opinion on a sector so punished by the crisis caused by covid-19, but the occasion is unique. Unfortunately, the pandemic will not be eradicated in a few weeks, it will take longer, and the window of opportunity to take a giant step to standardize our schedules and thus facilitate family reconciliation and improve productivity is possibleWhat are our institutions waiting for?