The president of the Abone nightlife union in Balearides, Miguel P?rez-Mars?, is ringing the alarm for the future of the industry, as night stores now face a series of structural challenges, from a lack of staff to changes in social habits.
The recent 6% increase in salaries in the wider hotel and food sector in the area, although necessary, exacerbates the already difficult situation for night businesses, which are already forced to provide higher pay to attract employees.
“It’s not easy to find people who want to work all night,” P?rez-Mars? points out, underlining the chronic difficulty of staffing in the industry.
Falling expenditure and changing priorities
The increase in wages coincides with a period of reduced tourism expense and a significant shift in visitors’ preferences. As Abone’s president explains, in 2024 there was a “difficult year”, and in 2025 he has not yet shown a clear trend, with demands in demand and revenue.
“Tourists spend most of their money on air and hotels, which have increased prices almost too much. They come to Balearides with a limited budget for fun, “he says.
‘All-Babing’ changes the terms of the game
According to P?rez-Mars?, the rapid increase in all-inclusive packages, especially in Mallorca, now acts as a suspension factor for night-time out of the hotel.
“Until recently, it was a small trend, but now it is dominant,” he says, noting that tourists often have no reason to go out for food or drink.
New Social Habits – Less Exit, More Instagram
The social change that has been taking place in recent years has drastically influenced the operation and role of nightclubs. Young people, as P?rez-Mars? says, are no longer socialized in the same way.
“Social media has replaced the need to get to know people in a club. In the old days, this was the “Instagram” of the time – we knew there, “he explains. “DJs are now the main means of attracting the world. Young people do not come out as often as they used to. “
The phenomenon of “Tardeo” – a word that describes the early outing in the afternoon, around 18:00, in a bar or terraces is also added to the equation.
“They are no longer loose concentrations on terraces. Now these are restaurants that act as nightclubs, without being permitted. In the Santa Catalina area, many of these stores operate without any legal coverage, creating severe problems for residents. “
Illegal party and ‘floating’ competition
The president of Abone also denounces unfair competition from illegal parties in private homes and the famous “Party Boats”.
“If there is an accident at an illegal party, no one is responsible. Cheap alcohol is consumed at floating parties without any control. Then they throw people on land like a sack of potatoes. Until a British drowning is found in the bay, nothing is going to change. “
Despite Abone’s ongoing complaints, the closure of illegal businesses proves to be extremely difficult, mainly due to bureaucracy and a lack of controls.
A branch in search of adjustment
The image given by Miguel P?rez-Mars? captures an industry that is trying to survive in an environment where they converge under economic pressure, social changes, and institutional gaps. Night entertainment in the Balearides seems to need a new strategy urgently, which will meet the needs of a new generation of visitors and a new lifestyle.
