Tourists could be fined up to 3,000 euros if they break new rules on drinking that have come into force on parts of Mallorca and Ibiza, popular islands for British holidaymakers.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 12:07, United Kingdom
Tourists will face hefty fines if they drink alcohol on the street in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza as part of a crackdown on “overtourism” areas.
The government of Spain’s Balearic Islands has strengthened a law first introduced in 2020.
The rules not only ban drinking on public roads, but also prohibit shops from selling alcohol late at night and tighten regulations on party boats.
Tourists who violate these rules can be fined up to 3,000 euros.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid fines.
Which regions are subject to the ban?
The rules apply to the three resorts of Lucmayor, Palma and Calvia (Magaluf) on Mallorca, and San Antonio on Ibiza.
The ban extends 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) from the coast at all these destinations, and party boats are prohibited from approaching or picking up or dropping off passengers in these areas.
Parma Mayor Jaime Martínez said one of his main objectives was to “correct uncivil attitudes.”
Does quitting alcohol mean not drinking alcohol at all?
No, tourists can still drink alcohol, but there are stricter regulations in place regarding locations.
Importantly, drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited.
The only exceptions are bar or restaurant terraces or other legally permitted areas.
But walking around town with an unfinished pint or an open bottle is a big no-no.
Shops selling alcohol must close from 9:30pm to 8am.
What are the penalties for travelers who break the rules?
If drinking in public “disturbs coexistence, involves a crowd, or degrades the tranquility of the environment”, you could be fined between €750 and €1,500 (£645 and £1,290). be.
If the breach is deemed to be very serious, fines can range from €1,500 to €3,000 (£1,290 to £2,580).
Local authorities will report the number of sanctioned foreign tourists to their respective embassies.
How will the ban be enforced?
The government has pledged to spend up to €16 million (about £13.7 million) to enforce the ban on drinking in public places.
There will be extra security and screening, as well as a focus on raising awareness of the rules among tourists in hotspot areas.
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When will the ban come into effect and how long will it last?
The ban went into effect on May 11, 2024.
The government hopes that this law will be in force until December 31, 2027, after which it will no longer be needed.
How is this different from what is already in place?
The new ordinance strengthens laws introduced in 2020 that ban happy hour, pub hopping and serving two-in-one drinks.
These rules prohibited the sale of alcohol on-site between 9:30pm and 8am, and also prohibited advertising of party boats in designated areas.
The main change was that drinking alcohol on public roads was prohibited.
The law’s enforcement period will also be extended. In 2020, the government announced that the scheme would run for at least five years, but it has now been extended until the end of 2027.
