UK holidaymakers warned over fines for breaking rule in Spanish resort

James Rodger

13 June 2024 at 5:24 am·2-min read

Holidaymakers in Benidorm, a popular Spanish resort among UK tourists, have been urged to "watch out" for a prevalent holiday scam. Benidorm's Policia Local are referencing a quote from Shakespeare, advising beachgoers about buying drinks and ice creams from illegal hawkers.

The so-called lateros and cuberos frequent Poniente and Levante beaches throughout the busy summer period. Despite efforts from the police to curb these practices, new vendors continue to appear, reports Birmingham Live.

Officers say that customers may not be aware of how dangerous some of the drinks might be, with one example being an mojito mixed on the spot as an instant thirst-quencher for visitors lazing on the sand.

Poster warnings have appeared around the area carrying the phrase "thirst or not, that is not the question".

Local police officers emphasised the safety aspect of buying any food or drink from unregulated vendors because it might not conform to health standards.

The Benidorm ordinance says that illegal sellers face fines of up to €3,000. It comes days after it emerged UK holidaymakers in Spain could be forced to pay £170 fines if they buy souvenirs from unlicensed sellers on the beaches and streets.

Plain-clothed police will be patrolling the streets of Costa Blanca to issue fines. From fake "designer" handbags to knock-off watches, tourists buying products from unlicensed "manteros" will be slapped with an immediate fine of up to €200 which works out at around £170, it's reported.

The mayor of Torrevieja has called for more police officers during the summer to enforce the new rules in the popular tourist destination.

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