UK tourists in Spain face new 'three drinks per evening' rule and could face £1,200 fines

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


All-inclusive hotels in Spain are poised to introduce a "six-drink rule" in an effort to curb excessive drinking. The new regulation will limit guests at all-inclusive establishments to six drinks per day, with the beverages evenly distributed throughout the day - three during daytime and three in the evening.

Additional drinks may be available for purchase at some hotels. Christian Wolf, CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza, commented: "Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking," He added that tourists often arrive in Spain ready to party, but fail to realise that binge drinking is less accepted in the country.

Wolf further stated: "It's important to enjoy yourself, but drinking to excess can lead to public disturbances, property damage, and strained relationships with the locals. 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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He concluded by saying: "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." These laws were initially introduced in 2020 but have been strengthened in 2024 to include restrictions on late-night alcohol sales in shops and tighter controls on boats, reports Birmingham Live.

Shops selling alcohol will have to shut their doors from 9.30pm to 8am. A spokesperson for the travel association ABTA commented: "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."

Individuals could face fines ranging from €750 to €1,500 (£645 to £1,290) if they drink in a manner that "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment".