Mallorca and Ibiza to crack down on tourists' excessive drinking

Dry January could continue right through to dry December in some resorts as the Balearic islands seek to clean up holidaymakers' act

Simon Calder
Travel Correspondent
Friday 17 January 2020 18:09 GMT
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Magaluf is one of the Britain's favorite holiday destinations
Magaluf is one of the Britain's favorite holiday destinations

The party could be over for British holidaymakers heading for rowdy resorts on the Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza.

The local government is cracking down on “excessive alcohol consumption in certain places of the Balearic Islands”.

The islands’ parliament has approved a new decree that aims to transform the image of some party resorts, such as Magaluf in Mallorca and San Antonio in Ibiza.

The Balearic Islands government says: “This is the first standard adopted throughout Europe, which restricts the promotion and sale of alcohol in certain tourist areas.”

The new law prohibits bar crawls, defined as “excursions promoting excessive consumption of alcohol”.

Bar promotions that offer unlimited alcohol for a fixed price are also ruled unlawful. But if tour operators have already signed contracts for all-inclusive deals with hotels, they will be allowed to continue.

No new licences will be issued for “party boats”, which attract a clientele often intent on excessive drinking.

The penalties include fines of up to €600,000 (£0.5m) and “suspension of activity for up to three years”.

The new rules apply only to three areas: Arenal and Magaluf on Mallorca, and the West End of San Antonio on Ibiza.

The authorities say: “The law aims to create a more sustainable and respectful tourism model, in terms of the environment, the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience.”

The reputation of the islands “has been negatively impacted due to issues of unsociable behaviour often related to alcohol abuse in certain tourist areas of Mallorca and Ibiza”.

Self-service dispensers and shops that sell alcohol can open only between 8am and 9.30pm.

The law also prohibits “jumping between balconies” – a practice that has claimed dozens of lives of young British holidaymakers – anywhere in the Balearics.

“People who, despite this law, carry out these practices, will be expelled immediately from the establishment and the action will be treated as a serious offence, both for those who practice it and for those who allow it,” says the new decree.

The law will prevail initially until 2025, but if it is judged a success it may be extended.

The last Club 18-30 holiday ended in Magaluf in October 2018.

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