A travel expert has warned Irish holidaymakers heading to the Balearic Islands this summer to be aware of strict alcohol rules, including a six drink daily limit, as Spanish authorities crack down on excessive partying with fines of up to €3,000
Some tourists say they’ll “never go back” to Tenerife (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Irish tourists travelling to Spain this summer could be caught out by a six drink rule, according to a travel expert’s warning.
Holidaymakers bound for the Balearic Islands may face substantial fines as Spanish authorities intensify their crackdown on excessive partying ahead of the busy holiday season.
More than 2.5 million Irish people visit Spain annually, with the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera ranking amongst the most popular destinations.
However, following a spike in disruptive tourist behaviour, residents have begun organising anti-tourism protests, calling for measures to tackle rowdy conduct, skyrocketing rental costs and overcrowded beaches in recent years.
In reaction, Spanish officials have introduced stricter controls targeting tourists and excessive drinking, particularly in the Magaluf and San Antonio areas, reports the Irish Mirror.
The 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’ has made street drinking illegal. Tourists caught flouting these regulations face hefty penalties between €500 and €3,000, depending on how serious the offence is.
Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, has cautioned holidaymakers planning trips to the party hotspots of Majorca and Ibiza over the coming months.
The travel specialist has advised tourists to steer clear of drinking in public and making excessive noise during the night if they wish to avoid penalties, as authorities prepare to enforce key regulations more rigorously throughout the summer.
Simon has cautioned that local authorities will take a firm stance against anti-social behaviour from tourists in the months ahead, with stricter measures set to be enforced and hefty fines potentially issued to those who step out of line.
Simon explained: “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 tourists 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.”
The days of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours are well and truly behind us, as the islands have cracked down on public drinking and alcohol promotions in bars and pubs. Under Balearic law, tourists are now forbidden from consuming alcohol on streets and beaches, with fines ranging from €750 to €3,000 for those who flout the rules.
Off-licence alcohol sales have also faced restrictions, with purchases banned between 9.30pm and 8am in certain areas, in a bid to tackle street drinking and curb anti-social behaviour.
Simon commented: “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.”
He added: “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.”
In the meantime, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has issued its own cautionary note regarding alcohol consumption in Spain, stating: “Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine.”
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