Spanish holidaymakers risk falling foul of the six-drink rule this summer (Image: Getty)
Spanish holidaymakers risk falling foul of the six-drink rule this summer, a travel expert has warned. Tourists travelling to the Balearic Islands may find themselves hit with substantial fines, as Spanish authorities take steps to clamp down on excessive partying as the holiday season commences. A £2,600 fine is also being threatened for anyone caught drinking alcohol on the street.
More than 3.5 million Brits visited the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera last year, heading abroad in pursuit of vitamin D and more affordable pints. Yet, following a spike in disruptive tourists and their alcohol-fuelled antics, locals have started organising anti-tourism protests, calling for measures against unruly conduct, escalating rental costs, and overcrowded beaches in recent years.
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More than 3.5 million Brits visited the Balearic Islands last year (Image: Paolo Graziosi via Getty Images)
As a result, Spanish authorities have introduced a crackdown on tourists and excessive drinking, especially in the regions of Magaluf and San Antonio. Under the 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’, consuming alcohol on the streets is now prohibited.
Flouting these regulations will result in tourists receiving a considerable fine, ranging from €500 up to €3,000, depending on how serious the offence is.
Executive director of John Mason International, Simon Hood, has issued a warning to Brits heading to the party hotspots of Majorca and Ibiza in the forthcoming months.
The travel expert has advised that holidaymakers should steer clear of public drinking and excessive noise during the night if they wish to dodge penalties, with authorities preparing stricter enforcement of critical laws throughout the summer.
Simon has cautioned that anti-social behaviour from tourists will not be tolerated by local authorities in the months ahead, as they crack down with stricter measures and potentially hefty fines for those who step out of line, reports The Mirror.
Simon said: “In response to recent overtourism protests, the islands of Majorca and Ibiza have implemented Responsible Tourism rules following some understandable concern from local residents.
Spanish authorities have introduced a crackdown on tourists and excessive drinking (Image: Carol_Anne via Getty Images)
“These laws were first introduced in 2024, however, new amendments have recently been proposed that many Brits are unaware of.
“Be careful you’re not caught out taking alcoholic drinks onto the street and spilling them. Being overly loud and drawing attention to yourself will also land you in trouble quicker.
“Holiday-goers planning on booking all-inclusive packages or bar crawls are also affected by these laws. For example, limits on all-inclusive drinks have been introduced in the party resorts of Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio.
“If you have booked an all-inclusive package, you’re only allowed a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per day, and these must be split between your lunch and evening meal.
“Make sure you’re not going over your allowance and trying to cheat hotel staff. Hotels are allowed to charge you more money for breaking all-inclusive rules.”
The Balearic law now prohibits tourists from consuming alcohol on streets and beaches (Image: Getty)
The era of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours is well and truly over, as the islands have tightened their grip on public drinking and alcohol promotions in bars and pubs.
The Balearic law now prohibits tourists from consuming alcohol on streets and beaches, with fines ranging from €750 (£650) to €3,000 (£2,600) for those who breach the rules.
Off-licence alcohol sales have also faced a crackdown, with purchases banned between 9.30pm and 8am in designated areas as a further measure to tackle street drinking and rein in anti-social behaviour.
Simon said: “At John Mason International, we always advise our clients to remain cautious and respect local rules and regulations.
“This Act hopes to crack down on excessive binge drinking, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a few pina coladas by the pool and have a great vacation – it just means you need to be cautious of your surroundings.
“These rules may seem strict, but they’re trying to promote harmony between local residents who want to go about their lives and tourists enjoying their holidays. If I can provide one piece of advice, it’s have fun.”