In response, Spanish authorities have imposed a crackdown on tourists and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly around the areas of Magaluf and San Antonio
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Spanish holidaymakers could fall foul of the six-drink rule this summer, a travel expert has warned.
Tourists heading to the Balearic Islands may find themselves slapped with heavy fines, as Spanish authorities move to crack down on excessive partying as the holiday season gets underway.
Over 3.5 million Brits visit the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera last year, jetting off in search of vitamin D and cheaper pints. However, amid a surge in unruly tourists and their booze-fuelled benders locals have begun to organise anti-tourism demonstrations, demanding action against rowdy behaviour, soaring rental prices, and overrun beaches in recent years.
In response, Spanish authorities have imposed a crackdown on tourists and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly around the areas of Magaluf and San Antonio. Under the 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’, it’s now illegal to consume alcohol on the streets. Breaking these rules will land tourists a sizeable fine, ranging anywhere from €500 up to €3,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
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Executive director of John Mason International, Simon Hood, has issued a warning to Brits jetting off to the party destinations of Majorca and Ibiza in the coming months. The travel expert has said that holidaymakers should avoid public drinking and excessive noise at night if they want to avoid facing penalties, with authorities planning stronger enforcement of key laws throughout the summer.
Simon has warned that anti-social behaviour from tourists will not be tolerated by the local authorities in the coming months, as they enforce stricter measures and potentially hand out sizeable fines to offenders.
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.”
Gone are the days of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours, as the islands have tightened control on public drinking and alcohol promotions in bars and pubs. The Balearic law now forbids tourists from drinking alcohol on the streets and beaches, with penalties ranging from €750 (£650) to €3,000 (£2,600) for violations.
Off-licence alcohol sales have also been clamped down on, with sales prohibited between 9.30pm and 8am in specific areas in a further attempt to limit street drinking and curb anti-social behaviour.
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.”