British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain for a Christmas or New Year getaway are being warned they could face fines as steep as €3,000 for falling foul of strict behaviour laws. One Sure Insurance experts are informing travellers about the rules which could leave them in hot water in the nation’s most-loved tourist areas.
Amid a crackdown on public drinking and rowdy conduct, penalties will be imposed in key Spanish destinations. Major resorts in Majorca like Llucmajor, Palma, and Calvia, together with San Antonio, are exercising control over alcohol consumption, which even extends 1.85 km offshore, pinpointing an exclusion zone for party boats.
Measures targeting happy hours, public drinking, and nighttime sales of alcohol from 9.30pm to 8am have been amplified. For disturbances or creating crowds due to public drinking, fines can hit anywhere between €750 to €1,500, but serious breaches might push penalties up to €3,000, potentially leading troublemakers back to their embassy doors, reports Bristol Live.
A One Sure Insurance spokesperson said: “As British tourists head abroad to enjoy the Christmas period or New Year, there is an increased risk of them unintentionally breaking local laws that have recently been introduced or tightened. With mass tourism a growing issue across Spain, the government has made it clear that they are committed to enforcing fines for those engaging in disruptive or inappropriate behaviour, especially around the busy Christmas and New Year period.
“Tourists need to be aware that these laws are being strictly enforced, and they must adjust their behaviour to avoid potentially costly fines,” the spokesperson said. “The government has made it clear that laws such as the public drinking ban, as well as restrictions on things like party boat trips, pub crawls, and alcohol sales after hours, are not just temporary measures, but long-term regulations in place until at least 2027.”
The Spanish government has committed to a €16 million to clamp down on public drinking, with security forces actively patrolling tourist hotspots, particularly during high seasons such as Christmas and New Year. A representative from One Sure Insurance said: “The holiday season can be a time of festive fun, but it’s important for all travellers to respect local laws and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. We strongly advise Brits heading to Spain this winter to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises on their holiday.”