On one Balearic island tourists can be hit with a massive fine
British tourists travelling to Mallorca this summer are being warned they could face fines or hotel eviction for unsafe behaviour around balconies(Image: Getty Images)
British tourists heading to Spain this summer are being warned by the Foreign Office of a safety issue. And they could be fined up to £31,000 or even thrown out of their hotels if they don’t comply in some parts of the country.
The Foreign Office has reminded travellers to behave responsibly around hotel balconies, particularly when alcohol or drugs are involved, after a number of serious incidents involving British nationals falling from height abroad. And official guidance issued to UK tourists warns that irresponsible behaviour on balconies can carry financial penalties in some parts of Spain and may also affect travel insurance claims.
Advice published online by the Foreign Office states: “In some regions you may be fined or evicted from your hotel if you are found to be behaving irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident happened.”
It also adds: “If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice at the hotel or apartment, and watch out for friends who may be at risk.” The warning comes as Spanish authorities continue efforts to crack down on dangerous tourist behaviour in popular holiday resorts, particularly in the Balearic Islands.
In Mallorca, Calvia council has introduced strict penalties targeting so called “balconing”, where tourists jump between balconies or climb on hotel ledges, reports the Majorcan Daily Bulletin. Local police classify the act as a serious offence and those caught can face fines of up to 36,000 euros (around £31,000).
The Foreign Office says tourists could be fined, kicked out of hotels or lose travel insurance for unsafe behaviour on balconies.(Image: Getty Images)
Under the Balearic government’s Decree on Tourism Excesses, tourists identified taking part in balconing are also immediately evicted from their accommodation.
The tougher legislation has been credited with reducing the number of balcony incidents in resorts including Magaluf, where authorities have spent years trying to tackle alcohol related disorder.
As part of the wider crackdown on binge drinking tourism, the Balearic Government has also enforced restrictions on alcohol sales and party activities in several major resorts.
According to the Foreign Office, laws limiting the sale and availability of alcohol apply in parts of Magaluf in Mallorca, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and San Antonio in Ibiza.
Parts of Mallorca and Ibiza have strict alcohol rules banning pub crawls, party boats, happy hours and alcohol sales overnight.(Image: Getty Images)
The rules ban happy hours, open bar promotions such as unlimited drinking offers, alcohol vending machines, self service dispensers, organised pub crawls and party boat trips. Off licence alcohol sales are also banned between 9.30pm and 8am in affected areas.
British tourists are need to carry identification while travelling in Spain, as police have the power to demand photo ID at any time.
The Foreign Office states: “You must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces.
“The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.
“Hotels, tourist accommodation and car rental companies have a legal duty to register passport and other details of tourists who check in or collect a vehicle.
“When checking in to your accommodation, wait until hotel staff have registered your passport details, or taken a copy of your passport. Do not leave your passport at reception to collect later.
“You may need to show ID when buying goods with credit or debit cards. Some shops will accept your driving licence or a copy of your passport, but some may ask for your passport.”