Brit tourists jetting to some of the most popular Spanish resorts face being hit with strict drink limits. Holidaymakers looking to quench their thirst while they soak up the sun may be left disappointed by the ruling.
The regulations were initially set in 2020 but have been intensified this year. It will see tourists limited to just six alcoholic beverages – split between three for lunch and three for dinner – when staying in certain resorts.
The areas impacted are San Antonio in Ibiza and Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and El Arenal, all in Mallorca, reports the Mirror.
Christian Wolf, the CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza, has weighed in on the matter. He said: “Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking.
“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.”
The businessman continued: “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.
The ramped-up regulations include additional measures brought in this year, such as restricted late-night alcohol sales in shops and increased control over boat parties. Retailers selling alcohol are required to shut between 9.30pm and 8am.
A spokesperson for ABTA – The Travel Association said: “ABTA will continue to engage with the Balearic Islands Government, ABTA Members and other parties, to encourage clear communication and exchange of information, to ensure holidaymakers travelling to hotels in the designated areas enjoy a positive customer experience.”
Those found guilty of drinking in a way that “disrupts coexistence, involves crowds, or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment” could face fines ranging from €750 to €1,500 (£645 to £1,290).
It comes as a normally busy Spanish hotspot, which is a favourite among tourists, was said to be “half empty” sparking fears for bar and restaurant owners. Magaluf is usually packed with holidaymakers at the beginning of June but images taken at the end of May showed rows of sunbeds with no one occupying them on its beaches.
Bar operators in the Mallorcan town also reported rows of empty tables outside its normally busy night spots. Locals recently marched through Palma, the island’s capital, calling for the government to introduce ‘immediate measures’ to tackle its housing emergency and overcrowding from tourists.
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