The Canary Islands’ Superior Court has approved the use of the COVID Vaccine Passport for bars and restaurants in holiday hotspots across all the islands.

The Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) said the controversial new measure will come into effect on 10th December and continue until 10th January, after which the Canary Islands Government must request permission again to extend it.

The new measure is voluntary, meaning it is up to individual businesses whether they want to implement the need to show a COVID-19 certificate upon entering the premises or not. However, those who do not implement it face harder operating conditions.

Establishments that request a health pass from their clients will enjoy greater benefits from the authorities in terms of capacity and opening hours.

If an establishment decides to introduce the need to present a health pass, clients will be required to show one and it will not be up to them to decide if they want to or not.

Customers must show a negative COVID test, taken no longer than 48 hours earlier, self-diagnostic tests are not allowed, or an official certificate showing they are completely vaccinated.

According to the TSJC judges, the measures “are proportionate and reasonable”.

The new measure will be applied throughout the eight Canary Islands, but judges stated that “an individualised and detailed assessment for each of the islands will be carried out, adjusting to the circumstances in each geographical area”.

It will create “healthier environments that are safer and less likely to transmit the virus,” they added.

President of the Canary Islands Angel Víctor Torres described this ruling as “good news” on his Twitter account, adding: “It is a measure that sectors such as leisure and restaurants agree with. Christmas is coming, let’s be prudent and deliver.”

The TSJC previously rejected a request to introduce Covid certificates last summer and in May 2021 also rejected the reintroduction of curfews.