Crackdowns in Spain introduced in Ibiza and Majorca as tourists risk huge fines

Ibiza and Majorca are set to impose two new restrictions as UK tourists could potentially face hefty fines.

The Spanish islands are cracking down on rowdy visitors with curbs on street drinking and party boats. Authorities in the Balearic Islands are strengthening legislation from 2020 that already prohibits the sale of alcohol between 9:30pm and 8am.

The new legislation, which came into effect today, aims to prevent revellers from disturbing locals in Palma and Magaluf in Majorca, as well as San Antoni in Ibiza. People drinking outside of designated areas could face fines ranging from €500 to €1,500 (£430 to £1,290), report the BBC.

The crackdown also prohibits party boats from sailing within one nautical mile of some cities and towns in Majorca and Ibiza. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, captains are barred from picking up and dropping off passengers in these regions. Party boats had previously been banned from advertising in these areas.

Spanish government officials have stated that this move will "force a real change in the tourism model of those destinations.", reports the Mirror. This legislation will impact the millions of Brits who visit the islands annually.

Luis Pomar, a press officer for the Balearic Islands tourism council, told the BBC that the 2020 law had curbed unruly behaviour. He expressed his belief that the law would not be necessary "in three to four years, if we instil in people how to behave."

The new ordinance will be in effect until December 31, 2027, at which point authorities hope it'll no longer be needed. Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martinez, one of their main aims is to "correct uncivil attitudes", reports Sky News.

Several businesses have voiced concerns that the law may result in Brits and other holiday-goers opting for other resorts with looser restrictions. Nevertheless, officials are standing firm, claiming that such measures are pivotal to curbing unruly tourists.

The changes in law coincide with grievances from residents of Tenerife - holiday hotspot in the Canary Islands - about "excessive tourism". Visitors have woken to graffiti messages telling them to "go home".

Just last month, an estimated crowd of 50,000 locals participated in demonstrations against the influx of tourists. Clips of thousands chanting "Si vivimos del turismo por que no somos ricos? " - Spanish for "If we are living from tourism then why are we not rich? " - circulated through social media platforms, amplifying the plight of the Canaries.

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