fines

Local authorities in holiday hotspot Albufeira, Portugal, have warned that the new rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round

Tourists now face fines for misplacing shopping trolleys in a popular European destination keen to crack down on bad behaviour.

British travellers visiting Portugal this year risk fines of over £1,570 for breaking new public rules in the popular holiday destination of Albufeira. The fines range from a minimum of €150 to €1800 (£130-£1570) for ignoring tightened restrictions, which include misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, and creating excessive noise.

Local authorities have warned that the rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round.

Over the years, Albufeira has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. With its stunning coastline, buzzing nightlife, and holiday appeal, it is easy to see why it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But that popularity has come with some cost.

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A small number of visitors are engaging in disruptive, disrespectful or even dangerous behaviour. This has had an outsized impact on the town’s quality of life, particularly in peak season. From rowdy public drunkenness to inappropriate conduct in public spaces, these incidents have prompted concern from residents, visitors, business owners, and local authorities.

Following a year of work, the local authorities have unveiled a new code of conduct. It was put together through consultation with police, businesses and civil society organisations.

Signs have been placed across the city centre area to remind tourists and locals alike of the new rules. Authorities say the crackdown follows several high-profile incidents of disruptive behaviour last year, including viral videos of British tourists engaging in indecent acts on the main party strip.

Fines being introduced in Albufeira include:

• Wearing swimwear outside of authorised areas – €300 to €1,500 (£260–£1,300)
• Street drinking, urination or defecation in public – €300 to €1,500
• Public nudity or sexual acts in public – €500 to €1,800 (£435–£1,570)
• Sleeping in public or unauthorised camping – €150 to €750 (£130–£650)
• Spitting in public – €150 to €750 (£130–£660)
• Abandoning shopping trolleys/carts – €150 to €750

“With a €144 million investment in projects across the municipality over the last four years, Portugal is pushing to protect locals and keep its reputation as a family friendly destination.” an expert at One Sure Insurance explains.

“We are seeing fines introduced across Europe which could lead to tourists being caught out. Portugal is looking to introduce some steep fines, so we are asking British travellers to consider these new rules when on holiday to avoid unexpected costs to their trip.”

If you’re concerned about accidentally breaking one of the rules, you can speak to tourist information offices, hotel staff, your country’s consulate or local police for more details. In emergencies, dial 112.

Sept. 5 (UPI) — The European Commission on Friday fined Google $3.455 billion for violating the European Union’s anti-competitive practices in advertising technology, prompting a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs.

Earlier this week, a U.S. federal judge ordered the U.S.-headquartered company to hand over its search results and some data to rival companies. The Justice Department challenged Google’s dominance in online search. But Google avoided having to sell off its Chrome browser or Android operating system.

The DOJ also is suing Google in another advertising case with the trial set to start later this month.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the fine is “effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs.

“We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies.”

In a follow-up post five minutes later, Trump said Google has paid in the past “13 Billion in false claims and charged for a total of $16.5 Billion.”

On July 27, Trump reached a deal with EU in July for a 15% levy on most imports from Europe. The European bloc agreed to purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S., and invest $600 billion more in other areas.

The European Commission, which represents 27 nations, said it fined Google “for breaching EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry (‘adtech’). It did so by favoring its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers,” according to a news release.

Google has 60 days how it intends to “bring these self-preferencing practices to an end and to implement measures to cease its inherent conflicts of interest along the adtech supply chain.”

The commission noted that advertisers and publishers rely on digital tools for the placement of real-time ads not linked to a search query, such as banner ads in websites of newspapers.

The EC began investigating Google in 2021. Investigators found that since 2014 Google “abused such dominant positions in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.”

“Today’s decision shows that Google abused its dominant position in adtech harming publishers, advertisers and consumers,” Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s top antitrust regulator, said in a statement. “Google must now come forward with a serious remedy to address its conflicts of interest, and if it fails to do so, we will not hesitate to impose strong remedies.

“Digital markets exist to serve people and must be grounded in trust and fairness. And when markets fail, public institutions must act to prevent dominant players from abusing their power. True freedom means a level playing field, where everyone competes on equal terms and citizens have a genuine right to choose.

Google plans to appeal.

“There’s nothing anticompetitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s global head of regulatory affairs, said in a statement to The New York Times.

A variety of businesses, small and large, advertise on Google’s search engine. Google’s automated system finds and indexes webpages. In 2024, Google began providing artificial intelligence summaries through AI Mode.

Google has an 89.93% woldwide market share of search engines with Microsoft Bing second at 3.95%, Russia’s Yandex third at 2.21% and Apollo Global Management’s Yahoo fourth at 1.48%, according to StatCounter.

Google processes approximately 16.4 billion searches per day.

In 2023, Google had $264.59 billion in ad revenue, mainly from search, according to Statista. The company’s total revenue was 305.63 billion.

Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who developed a search algorithm called “BackRub” at Stanford University. In 2021, the ad revenue was 70 million.

The name Google is a misspelling of Googol, the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

Google’s parent company is Alphabet, which was formed in 2015 through restructuring. It is the world’s third-largest tech company in terms of revenue behind Amazon and Apple. Alphabet’s total revenue was $350 billion in 2024 with the market capitalization now $2.83 trillion.

In mid-day trading on Nasdaq, Alphabet’s stock was up $1.59 to $233.89.

Besides Chrome, Android and its search engine, other Google businesses include Google Cloud, Google Maps and Waze, Google Pixel, Next and YouTube.

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‘First Amendment rights’

UK backs down

Brits heading on summer holidays to the likes of Italy and Spain are being warned of strict dress code rules especially when it comes to wearing swimwear in public

Brits planning to hit the beach or pool on their holidays may want to take note of some strict swimwear rules, or risk a potential £425 fine for wearing their bikinis.

In recent years, a number of holiday hotspots including Italy and Spain have clamped down on dress codes for both locals and tourists, when it comes to bikinis and swim shorts.

Italian hotspot Sorrento has banned the wearing of swimwear outside of beaches and pools, with authorities arguing that the move upholds public decency and respect for locals. The rules have been in place since 2022, and anyone flouting the restrictions could face a fine of up to €500 (approximately £425). It comes as Brits have been issued a stark warning about the habit that could land them a prison sentence while abroad.

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It’s worth noting that you’re not going to get a fine if you’re walking around your hotel or beach club, or if you’re on the beach itself. The crackdown is in place to stop people then heading out to the town and trying to enter shops and restaurants in just their swimming attire. The ban doesn’t just apply to swimwear; it also applies to visitors who walk around the town topless.

It’s not just Sorrento that has this dress code in place. For tourists heading on Spain holidays to the likes of Barcelona and Majorca, similar restrictions apply. People can only wear their swimwear on the beach or poolside, but if they head out to the towns then they could be slapped with a fine. In Barcelona that can be up to £260, while in Majorca that can be up to £500. Like Sorrento, this also applies to men walking around topless.

There are other European holiday spots where dress codes are in place. For example, tourists heading to Greece have been warned to consider the shoes they wear carefully.

At historic sites including the Acropolis in Athens, shoes such as high heels are banned because they can damage the landmarks. The ban has been in place since 2009 as part of preservation efforts.

In fact, a statement on the Acropolis website explains: “Most types of shoes are allowed at the Acropolis, except for high heels that have been forbidden in 2009 at all of Greece’s ancient monuments. The ban was put in in place due to the damage that the sharp soles were adding to Greece’s ancient sites.” If you want to visit and you’re wearing heels, you could risk being denied entry to the site. Rule-breakers face fines of around €900 (£771).

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Many holiday destinations have serious laws on vaping where travellers could be fined or worse jailed on holiday, warnings have been issued to travellers to ensure they know the rules before they fly

These are the holiday hotspots where vapes can land you in serious trouble. Travellers may be fined, detained or even jailed for taking or using their vapes in these countries. The UK have cracked down on their own vaping laws and these popular holiday destinations also have their own that must be taken seriously.

Experts at Vape Ease UK have warned British travellers to check laws before flying as there are many destinations where travellers could be in for a shock and serious action has been taken on vaping. From Thailand and India’s jail time to Mexico and Singapore bans, tourists have been issued serious warnings. It comes after a flight attendant urges tourists to always leave a shoe in their hotel room safe.

Turkey

More than 4.4 million Brits visited Turkey in the last year and due to its popularity it’s necessary to know the vaping laws. The country bans the sale of vapes, whilst using them is allowed only in certain areas like smoking zones. Travellers can only bring one device, spare pods or refill bottles that are no greater than 30ml in volume or up to 10 disposable vapes per person.

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You must also be 19 years old to vape in Turkey. According to globaltobaccocontrol.org, e-cigarettes and e-liquids are also classed as tobacco products so all the restrictions applied to smoking also apply to vaping.

India

Vaping in India has been banned since 2019 when they introduced the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) which banned everything to do with electronic nicotine products – production, sales, imports, exports, transport, storage and advertisement. E-cigarettes cover all types: refillable vapes, disposable vapes, heat-not-burn (HnB) products, and E-hookahs.

Travellers can face fines, imprisonment or both if caught doing any of the above. First time offenders who violate the ban could face up to one year in prison, or a fine of £1000 or both. For subsequent offences, this would increase to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of £5000.

Denmark

Whilst vaping in Denmark is legal there are certain rules and restrictions that apply: such as the age limit of 18 years old where you can purchase and use vapes. Flavoured E-liquids are banned which came into effect in April 2021, only tobacco-flavoured ones are allowed. Vaping is allowed in public places but not in all areas such as on public transport, schools and childcare facilities, and certain indoor spaces like bars and restaurants may have their own policies so you must check.

UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

Vaping is legal in the UAE but must meet the standards set by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA). Like most countries you must be at least 18 to purchase a vape in the UAE. There are designated areas where people can vape. If these rules are not followed then penalties can include a minimum imprisonment of one year for serious offences and a fine ranging from £20 000 to £200 000.

Australia

Australia’s approach to vaping is a medical one as of July 2024, all vaping products can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of assisting those that are trying to quit smoking or manage their nicotine. From March 2024, travellers entering the country can only bring a small quantity of vapes with them. The vapes must only be for the traveller’s treatment or someone they are caring for. The maximum allowed is 2 vapes in total, 20 vape accessories and 200ml of vape substance liquid.

Mexico

The sale of vapes in Mexico is generally banned, and there are certain public places where a vape is not allowed in: Indoor public spaces (bars, restaurants, shops and government buildings), workplaces and public transport. When travelling they advise, to pack it in your checked luggage, carry a small amount of e-liquid and if questioned by customs officials to answer any questions about your vape and its intended use.

Thailand

Thailand have some of the strictest rules overall as e-cigarettes are illegal since 2014. Anyone found breaking this law could be arrested and face jail time of up to 10 years or fined up to £700. Travellers are advised not to bring any e-cigarettes with them or any item associated with them. Travellers should be aware of the ban beforehand as tourists in the past have been arrested before having not known.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong state imports, manufacture, and sale of vapes have been banned since 2022 but not the use of it, however laws are set to change by early to mid 2026. Breaking these laws will result in heavy fines of up to £200 000.

Japan

Japan vaping laws are heavily regulated, nicotine e-liquids are classified as medicinal products and travellers can only bring up to 120ml of e-liquid. Non -nicotine vapes are allowed and do not face restrictions. Vaping in public spaces is strictly banned unless in a designated smoking zone. They have strict penalties in place for those who break these rules with heavy fines or imprisonment.

Singapore

Singapore have a zero-tolerance policy with vaping that includes importing, selling or using e-cigarettes as illegal. You can face fines of up to £2300, legal trouble and confiscations at customs if seen with a vape.

A spokesperson from Vape Ease UK warned travellers that the “last thing anyone wants is to be detained or fined on holiday. In places like Thailand and Hong Kong, the laws are shockingly strict. When in doubt – leave your vape behind.” It is not worth the risk bringing your vape on holiday.

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A RETIRED judge has shared top tips on what to do if presented with a private parking ticket.

Thousands of motorists across Britain know the feeling of thinking they’ve been unfairly handed a parking fine.

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The unwelcome sight of a yellow sticker on your windscreen is always enough to ruin any motorist’s day.

But Stephen Gold, a retired judge, has revealed the three words that can help you beat a private parking ticket.

Speaking to the MailOnline, he said: “Getting a ticket after parking in a private car park does not mean you have committed any offence.

“It won’t lead to a criminal conviction, whether or not you pay it.

“You can challenge a ticket that has been wrongly issued, and the challenge could take you to the county court, where the park operator would have to sue you for non-payment to have any hope of getting you to pay up.”

THE THREE WORDS

The judge told the paper that a key defence against tickets is: “I knew nothing”.

This is a defence that counts on the you being able to prove that parking conditions were not properly indicated.

The operator would have to prove the conditions of parking were displayed on one or more notices that a reasonable motorist would have seen.

So if you only discovered the terms of parking upon returning – perhaps due to signs being inconspicuous or absent – the defence would hold.

It is always best to take photographs of the signs and their location within the car park if you want to use this defence.

The operator will likely try to rely on pictures of the signs within the car park – but these might not show exactly where they are.

APPEALS PROCESS

It comes as more and more car parks use number plate capturing cameras to send out tickets.

Sometimes this will result in a ticket being placed on your windscreen, but often these days a letter will be sent in the post.

If you wish to appeal a ticket, your first action should be to go to the car park operator.

An independent appeal would be the next step, and a final point would be going to a county court.

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Greece has put in place strict rules to preserve its ancient heritage and breathtaking landscapes, meaning holidaymakers jetting off should be aware of the laws

Holidaymakers heading to the sun-drenched beaches of Greece should be aware of local laws that could result in hefty fines. Greek authorities are taking a firm stance on preserving their ancient heritage, imposing bans on removing pebbles and wearing high heels at historic sites.

In an effort to protect its landscapes and cultural treasures, Greece has gradually introduced strict regulations. The Greeks take great care of their ancient stones, banning the wearing of high heels at historical attractions to prevent potential damage. As British families head to airports for their eagerly awaited holidays to destinations including Greece, Spain and Italy, they should be aware of the unusual rules in place.

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Since 2009, visitors to iconic Athens landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre have been required to leave their stilettos behind, according to findings by Parkdean Resorts.

While many travellers like to keep up their style while on holiday, the Greek Government introduced this law to prevent visitors from wearing shoes that could damage historical attractions.

Those found wearing potentially damaging shoes at ancient sites could face a fine of up to €900 (£771), reports the Express. Greece has also introduced other regulations to limit the risks posed to its heritage and land.

Tourists tempted to take pebbles as souvenirs from picturesque spots like Lalaria Beach in Skiathos might find themselves out of pocket by as much as £771.

Spain is cracking down on tourism’s toll with a series of eccentric rules, especially in Barcelona, where holidaygoers caught in beachwear away from sandy shores might be forking out between £86 and £171.

Majorca is not far behind, with new penalties designed to deter “undesirable” behaviour along its popular coastlines.

Even Benidorm is getting tough on fun in the sun, as sandcastle builders on Levante beach could end up shelling out as much as £129 if they lack a permit.

The fines don’t stop there – smoking, kipping or using soap products on Benidorm’s beaches could hit tourists’ wallets even harder.

In a major boost for the budget airline, Ryanair has been let off paying a €107million (£91million) fine slapped on it last year by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Ryanair has been handed a massive £91million victory by a Spanish court.

The budget airline has been let off paying a €107million (£91million) fine slapped on it last year by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The organisation had claimed that the airlines’ policies on charging for hand luggage violated consumer rights.

The fines were part of a wider crackdown that included three other airlines, including Norwegian, totalling €179 million (£152million) in fines.

Now the Spanish High Court in Madrid has decided to let Ryanair off, allowing the ruling to sit as a precautionary one.

It comes during a big week for air passenger rights, with the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee voting to boost the amount of free hand luggage passengers flying to or from member states can take.

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“Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee,” the committee decided. Before this decision becomes law, it must be voted through by the European Parliament in the coming weeks, and then discussed by country representatives for the European Council.

The proposals have been met with fierce opposition from budget airlines and the Spanish Association of Airlines (ALA), which has criticised it and the Ministry’s fines.

The organisation argues that such measures limit consumer choice and disrupt fair competition in the EU’s single market. “It’s about offering different service models at different price points,” the association stated.

Ryanair claims that the legal ruling this week “upholds Ryanair’s right, under EU law, to offer customers the freedom to choose — and pay for — any bags they choose to bring onboard, in addition to the free under-seat bag all Ryanair passengers bring onboard free of charge.”

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The Madrid Court noted that “the dispute between the parties is indeed complex, and it is not foreseeable that material harm would be caused to the general interest if these charges continue during the proceedings, particularly considering that such practice has been in place for years and that even the European Union is currently reformulating the current legal framework concerning whether such charges are permissible”.

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary said: “The Spanish High Court has rightly upheld EU law which protects the freedom of all EU airlines to set our own prices, a fundamental right guaranteed under EU Reg 1008/2008. The Court also upheld the right of all Spanish passengers to choose how much cabin baggage they wish to carry and pay for in addition to Ryanair’s ‘maleta gratis’, which is bigger than the EU’s prescribed sizes.

With over €10 billion invested in Spain, Ryanair contributes over €24 billion to Spain’s GDP, supports more than 10,000 direct jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers. Given the current political climate in Spain, Minister Bustinduy has far more pressing matters to address than interfering with low-cost air travel — an industry that is vital to Spain’s economy. We now call on Minister Bustinduy to show respect for EU law and the needs of Spain’s passengers and scrap his unlawful bag fines.”

Palma Police have begun to impose fines on people who buy products from illegal street sellers in the Majorca holiday hotspot, in a bid to stop the sale of counterfeit items

Holidaymakers eager to score a discount could find themselves slapped with a hefty fine.

Knock-off sunglasses sellers and fake handbag hoikers have long been a fixture of tourist destinations in Spain. Despite being illegal, police have struggled to clamp down on the trade. If you’ve ever been to central Barcelona, then you will have seen the impressive speed with which towels laden with budget goodies are folded up and whisked away whenever a police officer nears.

Now a police force in Spain have decided to put pressure on the buyers as well as the sellers, to see if that has an impact.

Palma Police have begun to impose fines on people who buy products from illegal street sellers. In one case, eleven sunglasses were seized from the seller as evidence of illegal vending, while the buyer was fined for “making a purchase from an unlicensed street vendor on the public way”, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.

The police have not said whether the person fined was a tourist or a resident. Police received new powers to arrest buyers at the end of May. The town hall of the Majorcan city has launched an information campaign to warn both residents and tourists about the risks of purchasing products from unauthorised vendors.

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The police force has said that this type of trade harms legal establishments and can result in a financial penalty for the buyer. Sellers are subject to fines of between €750 and €1,500 (£641 to £1,282). For buyers the range is €100 to €750 (£85 to £640).

UK sunseekers may want to brush up on Spanish regulations before heading to the country this year, given how much local authorities there seem to love a fine.

Organising “unauthorised gatherings” could see Brits forking out as much as €750 for blasting tunes too loudly. In places like Valencia, setting up unapproved tents or shelters might land you a fine ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.

Spain’s beaches are increasingly becoming smoke-free areas, with lighting up potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, while sipping a drink on the sands or promenade could set you back between €1,501 and €3,000.

Caught with a tipple in public? You could be coughing up to €3,000. Majorcan hotspots such as Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf have even curtailed alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am and clamped down on happy hour promotions.

For those who throw loud parties without permission, a €750 fine awaits, and Valencia’s crackdown includes hefty charges of up to €3,000 for unsanctioned tent pitching. Many beaches have now become smoke-free zones, with a ciggie potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, and penalties for boozing on the beach or promenade ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.

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Spain has also put a cap on daily visitors at certain beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Platja d’Aro, in Costa Brava, has announced fines up to €1,500 for appearing in public “with clothing representing human genitals” in a crackdown on stag and hen dos from Blighty.

The bylaw specifically bans people from appearing “on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature”.

There’s also new information required for those wanting to book digs or hire motors. Information gathered by hotel owners, private rental providers and car hire companies will now be passed on to the Spanish Ministry of Interior to bolster the country’s national security.

Holidaymakers are being warned that they could face fines or criminal prosecution for bringing an innocent sandwich into an EU country due to strict meat and dairy rules

British holidaymakers gearing up for a European getaway this summer have been given a stark warning about a deceptively simple blunder that could put them at loggerheads with EU border officials.

British travellers risk incurring hefty fines or possibly even facing legal action if they unwittingly transport something as innocuous as a prepackaged sandwich into an EU member state, thanks to stringent import restrictions on meat and dairy products.

Maryanne Sparks from European Waterways has alerted UK nationals: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you – this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich.”

In light of Brexit, Britain has been designated as a third country outside the EU, meaning British citizens must adhere to the same tight rules faced by other non-EU nations.

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Maryanne warned further: “When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities.

“If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution.”, reports the Express.

The European Commission has highlighted concerns that items containing “meat, milk or their products” carry significant risks for animal health across the bloc.

Providing advice to travellers, Maryanne clarified: “It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side.”

Travellers are warned: “To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU.”

However, there are a few exceptions to these rules. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief as powdered infant milk and baby food are allowed.

Additionally, you can bring up to 20kg of fish or 2kg of honey, as well as live oysters, mussels, and snails.

It’s essential to note that these restrictions only apply to individuals entering the EU from non-member countries.

If you’re travelling between EU nations or arriving from countries like Norway, Switzerland, Andorra, or Iceland, you’re exempt from these rules.

As the holiday season kicks off, experts advise Brits to carefully inspect their luggage and refrain from carrying prohibited food items to avoid any issues or penalties at the border.

Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the sunny location with his 41,700 followers on TikTok, and has now delivered a stark warning to holidaymakers

A Brit living in Benidorm has revealed the three things tourists are being fined for while visiting the Spanish destination’s beach.

Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the sunny location with his 41,700 followers on TikTok. In a recent clip, which has racked up 43,000 views and hundreds of likes, he’s shared the top three things Brits do while at the beach which could land them a hefty fine.

The 24-year-old’s first piece of advice is to avoid swimming in the sea at unrestricted hours. He explains: “You can’t swim between midnight and 7am at Benidorm [beach] otherwise you’re going to end up with a massive fine.” This can range from anywhere between €300 and €1,500 (£255 – £1,278).

When it comes to beach hogging, that’s a big no-no in Benidorm. “Reserving spots on the beach – that means putting your towel down [and] reserving a seat – not okay,” the content creator, from Brighton, said.

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“Not allowed. “You can actually get a fine of up to €200 for reserving a spot on the beach. “Even just leaving your towel down somewhere on the beach can get you a massive fine. So just don’t do it.”

His final piece of advice is to avoid smoking and vaping while at the seaside. The ban on vapes has already come into force in Spain and Italy, with France next to implement the change on 1 July. Those caught with the e-cigarette could be forced to fork out a whopping £1,700.

The same rule applies for cigarettes. Harry explained: “To be honest, probably the most important one; smoking on Benidorm’s beach. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there if you’re a smoker. Don’t do it – if you get caught, you are going to be fined.

“They are proper on it at the moment, so if you do all those things, you’re going to get a fine. If you don’t, then you’ll be absolutely fine.”

In 2024, the Spanish Medical Association unveiled new anti-smoking regulations that also encompass vaping in public spaces such as beaches and restaurant terraces.

Several well-known Spanish beaches where vaping prohibitions are now in effect include L’Albir Beach in Alicante, Levante and Poniente Beaches in Benidorm, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell in Barcelona, and Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. If caught breaking the law, travellers could face penalties up to €2,000, equivalent to £1,700.

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Holidaymakers heading to France this summer should also be cautious about where they are vaping. From July 1, France will prohibit smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, schools, bus stops, and sports venues. This is part of a wider initiative that started in 2011 with a beach ban and has since broadened.

Those caught breaking these laws could face fines of up to €135 (£115).

As visitor numbers to the party-mad region of Benidorm continues to soar, officials are clamping down on tourists breaking a little-known rule when it comes to renting out mobility scooters

Sun-worshipping Brits are being warned not to break a little-known rule that could land them with a hefty fine.

Last year, a whopping 2.8 million tourists flocked to the party-mad resort of Benidorm, marking a 2.9 per cent jump compared to 2023. The boom has largely been attributed to UK holidaymakers – who have been flocking to the sunny hotspot as early as the 1950s.

Lured in by golden sandy beaches and cobalt waters, Benidorm is famous for its vibrant nightlife and wild entertainment, which has long been popular with Stag and Hen Dos. It is the place to be if you want to drink yourself silly in a fancy dress costume, and sober up the next day with a huge English Breakfast.

The Spanish city, located on the eastern coast of Valencia’s iconic Costa Blanca, has a reputation for attracting elderly Brits who rely on mobility scooters to get from A to B – which has no doubt been perpetuated by the acclaimed TV series, Benidorm. But demand for these vehicles isn’t just a stereotype, as there are more than a dozen mobility scooter shops in the region.

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However, many people do not realise that Benidorm Local Law explicitly states you must be aged over 55 years old or have a certified disability for walking in order to rent an electrical scooter. Renters will also take a cash deposit from customers and make them sign a contract laying out all of the strict rules they must abide by.

This includes always carrying their rental contract with them, and avoiding slopes with an incline greater than five percent. Carrying multiple passengers on an individual scooter is also prohibited.

“Never leave the key when going down the Scooter,” warns Amigo24, a popular mobility scooter rental firm in Benidorm. “[You] will not be covered by your insurance in case of robbery.”

Following a rise in complaints over tourists renting vehicles for fun, and without proper insurance, the council has since emphasised that the use of mobility scooters is ‘strictly limited’ to those that genuinely need the aid. According to EuroNews, authorities are also cracking down on those driving around the city at ‘dangerous speeds’. Violating any of these rules risks sky-high fines of up to €500 (approximately £425).

“Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties,” Lee Cartwright, mobility scooter specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct, told Bristol Live. “If you can walk safely without one and you don’t have a permit for one, it is best not to ride a mobility scooter to avoid a fine.”

The expert urged those who do need to use a mobility scooter to stick to the speed limit, which is 4mph when on the pavement. Class three mobility scooters, which are intended to be driven on the roads, are allowed to go up to 8mph.

“A majority of those using a scooter without permission are young British people who are using the vehicle to go clubbing rather than pay for a taxi,” he added. “But this results in reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic, driving too closely to others, and failing to be aware of their surroundings. Riding a scooter while intoxicated is both hazardous and against the law, similar to driving a car under the influence.”

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Brits planning Greece summer holidays may want to double check the dress code rules before packing their bag – or risk being turned away at major hotspots

Brits heading on Greece holidays this summer may want to double check their suitcase, due to a strict dress code rule that applies at some of the country’s biggest hotspots.

That’s because there are certain types of footwear that have been banned at plenty of attractions so you could risk being turned away if you’re out and about sightseeing – or even face a fine of around 900 euros (£771).

Since 2009, high heels have been a no-go at the country’s ancient monuments as part of preservation efforts, including huge tourist hotspots like the Acropolis in Athens. In fact, a statement on the iconic landmark’s website explains: “Most types of shoes are allowed at the Acropolis, except for high heels that have been forbidden in 2009 at all of Greece’s ancient monuments. The ban was put in in place due to the damage that the sharp soles were adding to Greece’s ancient sites.”

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While most people will don the likes of trainers or other comfortable shoes for a day of sightseeing, if you are someone who braves heels, it’s worth noting that you won’t be allowed to enter the attraction unless you have a change of shoes with you. As for the fines, these tend to be aimed at those who actively flout the rules – for example if someone changed back into heels once they’d entered the monuments.

Travel insiders at insurance firm Tiger.co.uk recently reminded Brits of the rules, adding: “In Greece, wearing high heels is prohibited at certain historic sites, including famous attractions like the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre. This rule helps protect delicate surfaces from erosion and cracking. Sitting on ancient monuments is also discouraged out of respect for preservation efforts.”

It’s not the only dress code rule that Brits need to be aware of this summer. For those planning holidays to the likes of Spain and Italy, you may want to pack an extra beach cover up. That’s because certain holiday hotspots have rules in place that ban tourists from wearing swimwear away from the beach, with fines of up to €500 for rule-breakers.

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In Sorrento, Italy, for example the ban has been in place since 2022. The mayor at the time explained the crackdown came because too many tourists were walking around the town in bikinis or topless, and causing unease with locals.

They added at the time: “The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism.”

Of course if you’re staying in a beachfront hotel or beach club and walking back in your swimwear from the shore to your room or cabana, you won’t be fined while you’re on property. The rules are to deter people who were leaving public beaches and then heading to restaurants or wandering around the shops without a cover-up.

Have you been caught out by a local rule while on holiday? Email us at [email protected].

Brits heading on summer holidays to the likes of Spain and Italy are being warned of a little-known rule that could actually see them face hefty fines in popular holiday hotspots

If you’re planning a summer holiday abroad, then you may want to consider packing an extra beach or poolside cover-up in your suitcase – or you could face a hefty fine.

That’s because over in Italy, tourists and locals are banned from wearing swimwear outside of beaches and pools. In holiday hotspots such as the Amalfi Coast and specifically Sorrento, anyone caught breaking this rule could end up having to pay a charge.

Travel experts at Tiger.co.uk have warned: “Despite the sunny weather, Italy has banned the wearing of swimwear outside of beaches and pools in a bid to uphold public decency and respect for locals. In the popular destinations of the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, tourists caught breaking this rule can face fines of up to €500.”

It’s worth noting that the rules also apply to anyone walking around the town topless. Of course, there are exceptions; for example, if you’re at a beachclub or staying in a hotel with direct beach access, you’re not going to be fined as you make your way back to your cabana or your room.

READ MORE: Brits warned they could be hit with £210 fines for reserving sunbeds in Spain

The measures are in place for public spaces, and predominantly aimed at tourists who are wandering into the town and going to shops and restaurants without changing out of their swimwear.

The rules aren’t particularly new; in Sorrento, the swimwear ban has been in place since 2022. At the time, the town’s then Mayor Coppola said the crackdown came because people walking around in bikinis or topless were “seen by the majority of people as contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterises civilised cohabitation”.

He added: “The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism.”

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It’s not just in Italy where these types of regulations are in force. In the likes of Barcelona, people are also asked to stick to the beach if they want to wander around in swimwear, with fines of approximately £260 for rule-breakers. Meanwhile the island of Majorca also requests that people stick to beaches and pools, with fines of up to £500 for those who flout the regulations.

Those aren’t the only beach rules that Brits heading on Spain holidays should take note of. The Tiger team added: “In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.”

The rules came into force last year in a move to stop beachgoers from reserving spots with towels and sunbeds, only to leave them unoccupied for hours at a time. On already-crowded beaches, this only leaves others having to fight for space or giving up.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected]

From this month anyone purchasing from unauthorised street vendors will face new laws – as well as a host of changes on electric scooters, nudity, and drinking

UK tourists in a holiday hotspot are being warned that will face fines of 750 euros (about £630) – for buying anything – including food and drink – from street vendors. Palma, the capital of the island of Mallorca, this month introduced the new laws which could see Brits hit with fines and possibly even arrest for an array of infractions this summer.

The ordinance covers a host of issues – vandalism, including graffiti, posters, leaflets, gambling and betting in public spaces, false begging and sexual demands, artistic performances, guided tours, littering, alcohol consumption in public, group gatherings, street vending, motorhomes, nudism, balconing as well as scooters.

One change is the regulation of electric scooters. Users will now have to be able to prove they have civil liability insurance (with a minimum coverage of €120,000) and wear an approved helmet.

Another law people are likely to fall foul of is a total ban on purchasing any item from unauthorised vendors in public spaces. This includes buying souvenirs, food and drink and fashion accessories such as sunglasses and watches, with the exception being in authorised markets.

Laws are being brought in partly after protests on the island against excessive tourism, along with people complaining about the behaviour of visitors.

A document detailing the measures explained they were to ‘prevent inappropriate everyday actions’ and ‘address incivility in general’. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, said: “When travelling abroad it’s always worth reading up on local rules.

“These measures have been put in place to protect Palma’s culture and economy and, in some cases, for public safety. Buying from unauthorised street vendors might seem like a harmless way to get a bargain but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses.

“Illegal street vendors may also offer counterfeit goods which again may not seem like a big problem to many, but fall foul of intellectual property rules and take money away from legitimate businesses. The message is clear – buy from reputable sellers or tourists could find themselves facing tough consequences.”

Graffiti, classified as a very serious offence, will carry a fine of up to 3,000 euros. Nudism, whether total or partial, will be punishable by a fine of up to 750 euros. This doesn’t apply to ‘designated areas’ or, for example, to women who go topless on beaches. Drinking alcohol in groups (‘botellón’) is banned as is the use of drugs in public spaces.

The use of speakers without municipal authorisation; parkour; laser pointers; urinating and defecating in public will also see arrests. Balconing – moving from one balcony to another – will be subject to a fine of up to 1,500 euros. The police will support hotel establishments with the immediate expulsion of those who commit this offence.

Almost five million Brits are slated to flock to this stunning European country this year, which has recently threatened holiday makers with hefty £50 fines before they’ve even got off the plane

Sun-worshipping Brits have been threatened with a hefty fine for breaking a strict new rule – before they’ve even embarked.

There’s no greater feeling than stepping off the plane and feeling the warm air hit your face. It’s an experience almost five million UK holidaymakers will experience this year, as Turkey (Türkiye) prepares for record-breaking levels of tourism.

However, the country is clamping down on inpatient passengers who are too eager for their own good. The brutal warning comes as the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announces it will start introducing penalties for those who unfasten their seatbelt and stand up before the plane has fully come to a stop.

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“According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed,” the CAA said, according to Euronews. Now, passengers reaching for their overhead luggage before the seatbelt light has switched off will now be fined €62 (approx. £50).

Turkish Airlines – the country’s flagship airline – has reportedly already updated its landing announcement to make tourists aware of the penalty. It states rule-breakers will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report. Then, an ‘administrative fine’ will be imposed in accordance with ‘applicable legal regulations’.

It has yet to be confirmed whether other airlines will introduce similar warnings for flights touching down in the country. Either way, it’s worth sitting patiently until you know it’s safe to take your seatbelt off.

The news sparked fierce debate online, with many holidaymakers arguing the rule will worsen delays and make disembarking even longer. “There are umpteen reasons why I have been put off flying – for good,” one person said. “This is just another one of them.”

Another agreed, writing: “For goodness sake, I just want to stretch my legs, is that a crime?” while a third added: “I suspect airlines will start charging us to board first and leave first, just like they do with everything else.”

However, others seemed in favour of the new rules – with some social media commentators even suggesting the fine should be higher. “What’s the point of rushing off the plane?” one person asked. “So you can wait for longer at the baggage carousel?”

Another wrote: “I’ve never understood why people do that. You always have caught up to them at baggage claim, so why push to be the first off?” while a third branded the fine a ‘good idea’.

The Mirror has approached Turkish Airlines for comment.

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Brits getting ready to brave the infamous sunbed wars on Spain holidays may want to double check their destination’s rules – or face potentially hefty fines

Brits who lay out their towels to reserve a sunbed for hours at a time have been warned they could face hefty fines of up to €250 (approximately £210).

The team at travel insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk have warned Brits heading on Spain holidays to think twice before laying out a towel on the beach, as it could actually land you facing some hefty extra charges.

They explained: “In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.”

The rules were brought into force last year, in a bid to stop tourists from reserving spots on public beaches with towels and sunbeds, despite then not returning for hours a time – meaning other visitors had to make do with leftover space, causing issues such as fights breaking out, or crowding.

READ MORE: Tourist sets alarm for 6.30am to get best sunbed – but is stunned by what she finds

Council leaders in Calpe, in Costa Blanca, said that police would be given the power to remove unattended sunbeds or towels that were on the beach before 9.30am. Those caught breaching the rules will need to head to a municipal depot to get their belongings back – and get hit with the £210 fine in the process. The rules don’t just apply to those laying out a towel; tourists who try to keep a spot unattended for over three hours could also face similar fines.

It’s not just on the beaches where fights for sunbeds break out. The 5am ‘sunbed wars’ have become a classic part of summer holidays, as holidaymakers get up at the crack of dawn and brave a mad dash just to lay out their towels to ‘reserve’ the poolside sunbeds.

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Every year, the chaos causes everything from fights breaking out to huge queues by the pool before the sun has even risen. Just recently, holidaymakers were spotted using a sneaky tactic in Tenerife to try and reserve their spot before the pool staff had even laid out the loungers, in a move that some have dubbed as “pathetic”.

It causes plenty of tension especially when people leave their towels on sunbeds but don’t return for hours at a time, leaving other tourists having to find alternatives even though there are empty loungers in front of them.

As a result, most hotels are trying to combat the madness by introducing rules around reserving sunbeds, such as having staff remove belongings that have been left unattended for hours.

Have you seen any ridiculous sunbed wars? Let us know at [email protected].