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Everything you need to know about drinking bans in Spain; 6 drink rule and fines up to €3,000
By Anna Akopyan •
Updated: 05 Aug 2024 • 17:43 • 1 minute read
While few things feel better than sipping a cocktail by the pool, one has to be equipped with knowledge about the drinking bans in different regions of Spain to stay safe from pricey fines and an upset community.
As mass tourism continues to be a key issue across the country, the government is allocating up to €16 million to enforce the ban on public drinking. Since the spring of 2024, security has been inspecting Spanish tourism centres and issuing fines of up to €3,000. With today´s laws being applied until the end of 2027, here´s everything you need to know to avoid being fined.
Drinking bans in Ibiza and Mallorca
The areas to which the drinking ban applies are Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia in Mallorca and San Antonio, extending 1,85 km off the coast in all four destinations in Ibiza. Tourists could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their public drinking disrupts peace, involves crowds or distresses others. In severe cases, the fine can reach up to €3,000 and send the perpetrators to their embassy.
The laws in place signify that no drinking is allowed on public roads and all alcohol sales are prohibited from 9,30pm until 8am. These measures were taken after the islands prohibited pub crawls, happy hours and two-for-one drinks.
Drinking bans for booze cruises
The same rules apply to booze cruises, as party boats are barred from picking up or dropping off passengers in the listed areas. Moreover, the visitors who have booked all-inclusive packages in hotels will be limited to six drinks per person, per day, with an allowance of three drinks during lunch and three drinks during dinner. While some may argue for restricted freedom, the authorities have stated that the measures proved necessary to maintain peace.
The islands´ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Jaume Bauza referred to the measures as helping to develop responsible tourism, and improving quality in tourist areas. The Palma mayor Jaime Martinez also stated that it is one of his key aims to correct uncivil attitudes.
The authorities have reported that the prohibitions will be extended if necessary.
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From Moscow to Costa Blanca, Anna has spent over 10 years in Spain and one year in Berlin, where she worked as an actress and singer. Covering European news, Anna´s biggest passions are writing and travelling.
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