The Balearic Islands have introduced new responsible tourism laws.Milo Boyd Digital Travel Editor and Commercial Content Lead
11:16, 04 May 2026Updated 11:25, 04 May 2026
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British tourists could run into trouble with the six-drink limit this summer, according to a travel expert’s warning.
Visitors bound for the Balearic Islands risk substantial penalties as Spanish officials tighten regulations on rowdy partying ahead of the peak holiday period.
More than 3.5 million UK travellers descended upon the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera last year, seeking sunshine and budget-friendly beverages. Yet, following a rise in disruptive visitors and alcohol-driven excess, residents have staged anti-tourism protests, calling for measures against disorderly conduct, escalating accommodation costs and overcrowded coastlines in recent times.
Spanish officials have responded by implementing stricter controls on tourists and alcohol intake, especially across Magaluf and San Antonio. The 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’ now prohibits drinking in public spaces. Tourists caught breaching these regulations face considerable fines, spanning from €500 to €3,000, based on how serious the infringement is.
Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, has cautioned Britons planning trips to the nightlife hotspots of Majorca and Ibiza over the coming months. The travel specialist advises holidaymakers to steer clear of street drinking and late-night disturbances to dodge sanctions, as officials prepare stricter enforcement of crucial regulations throughout the summer period.
Simon has cautioned that troublesome conduct from visitors will face zero tolerance from local officials in the months ahead, as authorities impose tougher regulations and potentially issue substantial penalties to those who breach them, reports the Mirror.
Simon explains: “In response to recent overtourism protests, the islands of Majorca and Ibiza have implemented Responsible Tourism rules following some understandable concern from local residents.
“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 era of buy-one-get-one-free cocktails and bargain happy hours is over, as the islands have imposed stricter regulations on public alcohol consumption and promotional offers in licensed premises. Under Balearic legislation, holidaymakers are now banned from consuming alcohol in public spaces and on beaches, with fines ranging from €750 (£650) to €3,000 (£2,600) for breaches.
Restrictions on off-licence alcohol purchases have also been introduced, with sales forbidden between 9.30pm and 8am in designated zones, in a further bid to reduce street drinking and tackle antisocial conduct.
Simon says: “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.”