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Cool response: Murcia restaurant refuses to serve customers on terrace during heatwave
The Murcia City eatery closed its terrace so staff wouldn’t be forced to work in the harsh midday sun
As Spain sizzles under the intense summer sun, a restaurant in Murcia is making headlines for its refreshing take on customer service and employee welfare. In a viral anecdote that has sparked conversations across the country, Restaurante Las Cumbres in the Cabezo de la Cruz district showed that sometimes, a simple "no" can be a powerful statement.As temperatures soared above 40ºC, a group of customers insisted on dining on the restaurant's terrace, seemingly unfazed by the sweltering heat.
The owner, however, had other ideas. Concerned about the well-being of his employees, he politely but firmly refused the customers' request. In a conversation that quickly gained traction on social media, the owner explained: “At midday, we have the terrace closed because it is very hot”. Undeterred, the customers pressed on, stating that they didn't mind the heat and still wanted an outdoor table.
The owner's response? A resolute “no”. Not because of customer preference, but because he refused to subject his waiters to the extreme outdoor temperatures.
While some critics accused the restaurant of using the situation for publicity, the majority applauded the owner's decision of prioritising people over profit.
The incident also sparked discussions about labour rights and the need to adapt to the new reality of rising temperatures, ensuring that employees are protected during periods of intense heat.
Interestingly, Spanish legislation is firmly on the side of the restaurant owner. Royal Decree 486/1997 establishes temperature ranges for different types of work, specifying that environmental conditions must not cause discomfort to workers. Additionally, Directive 2004/37/EC stipulates that workplace temperatures should not exceed 32 degrees Celsius.
As the heat waves continue to roll in, let's raise a glass to the cool-headed owner of Restaurante Las Cumbres, who showed that a little common sense and compassion can go a long way.
Image: Restaurante Las Cumbres
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