Yahoo News Spain holiday warning as Balearic Islands bring in alcohol ban in tourist hotspots
Holidaymakers heading to Spain are being warned of a new night-time alcohol ban in destinations popular with tourists.
The Balearic Islands have introduced the ban in areas with high levels of tourism, including Majorca and Ibiza. It means drinking alcohol in public at night will be prohibited.
The new rule, approved on Friday, May 10, sees the "total ban of the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am" in resorts defined as areas of excessive tourism. The measure will apply to Llucmajor, Palma, Calvia (Magaluf) and Sant Antoni in Ibiza – areas that experience particularly high levels of tourism.
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Authorities in the Balearic Islands say the strict ban will remain in place until at least December 31, 2027. They also announced that "commercial establishments" would be closed down completely between the time period stated in the ban.
It comes as a wave of anti-tourist measures continue to be implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism, with "anti-tourist" protests taking place in popular holiday hotspots, including Tenerife and Majorca, reports the Mirror. In addition to a prohibition on organising drinking parties in communal spaces, the new rules will also ban graffiti, riding scooters and displaying nudism.
Those caught offending will face even more serious consequences if they disrupt harmony on the streets and public roads as a result of drinking alcohol. Jaime Martínez, mayor of Mallorca's capital, Palma, said that the laws will help them "correct uncivil attitudes" often displayed by tourists in the city.
He added that anyone breaching the rules could be face a fine of up to £2,600, while more rules are set to be revealed in the coming months. An initial fine for tourists breaching the new rules will be £1,300, but the penalty can be increased up to £2,600 if the offences committed are more serious. Fines for graffiti, vandalism and loud slogans have also gone up to £2,600.
If minors are caught committing graffiti vandalism, their parents will be held responsible - and will be forced to pay the hefty penalty. It is also now prohibited to cover the streets with banners, posters and advertising brochures. Serious offences include destroying listed buildings, monuments, and other important public areas, and could attract fines up to £2,600.
