Spain introduces 'three drinks per evening' rule for UK tourists
All-inclusive hotels in Spain are set to implement a "six-drink rule" to curb binge drinking. The restriction means that guests who are staying in all-inclusive hotels have a limit of six drinks per day. The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening.
Some hotels may allow guests to purchase extra drinks. "Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking," says Christian Wolf, CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza. "Tourists often come to Spain ready to party, but what they don't realise is that binge drinking is not as accepted here," Wolf said.
He said: "It's important to enjoy yourself, but drinking to excess can lead to public disturbances, property damage, and strained relationships with the locals." He added: "Time will tell if this rule will be effective, and if more establishments will enforce it or if it simply fizzles out."
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"This way they are not just drinking to get drunk, but to enjoy their time with their friends and family and have longevity throughout the night," he said. The laws were first introduced in 2020 but have been toughened in 2024 to include shops stopping selling alcohol late at night and tighter controls on boats.
Shops that sell alcohol must close between 9.30pm and 8am. A spokesperson from travel association ABTA said: "ABTA will continue to engage with the Balearic Islands Government, ABTA Members and other parties, to encourage clear communication and exchange of information, in order to ensure holidaymakers travelling to hotels in the designated areas enjoy a positive customer experience."
People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 (£645 and £1,290) if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment".