Spanish shops and government offices will be forced to turn off digital signage displays  and lighting after 10 pm.

The ban is part of an emergency plan to reduce gas consumption in the country by seven per cent.

The measure was introduced by decree on Monday this week to meet European Union target for energy reduction, prompted by war in Ukraine and a looming winter energy crisis.

Among wider restrictions, air conditioning cannot be lowered below 27C in summer and heating cannot exceed 19C in winter,

“The world is upside down. We have a war in Europe,” said Spain’s minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera, whose comments appeared on the Politico website.

Businesses have been given seven days to adapt to the new measures which will be in place until November 2023.

Digital signage consultancy invidis predicts that similar measures are likely to be adopted more widely across Europe.

Managing director Florian Rotberg, said: “Since most shops in Germany, Austria and Switzerland close at 8pm, economic losses should be limited. In the case of quick-service restaurants and DOOH, however, a ‘transmission cut-off’ at 10pm. could certainly lead to financial losses.”