British holidaymakers heading to Majorca and Ibiza this summer are being warned about Spain’s six-drink limit for all-inclusive packages and strict new alcohol rules that could result in fines of up to £2,600, according to a travel expert
British tourists could find themselves tripped up by Spain’s six-drink limit this summer, a travel expert has cautioned.
Holidaymakers heading to the Balearic Islands face hefty penalties as Spanish officials step up their crackdown on excessive partying ahead of the tourist season.
Over 3.5 million Brits visited the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera last year, drawn by sunshine and budget-friendly beverages. However, following an increase in unruly visitors and drink-related behaviour, locals have begun staging anti-tourism demonstrations, demanding action against disruptive behaviour, soaring rental prices, and overcrowded beaches in recent months.
Spanish officials have responded by introducing tougher restrictions on holidaymakers and alcohol consumption, particularly in the Magaluf and San Antonio districts.
The 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’ has outlawed drinking in public spaces. Visitors who violate these rules face significant fines, with charges ranging from €500 to €3,000, depending on the severity of the breach.
Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, has issued a warning to Britons planning visits to the popular party destinations of Majorca and Ibiza over the coming months. The travel expert urges holidaymakers to avoid consuming alcohol in public areas and creating excessive noise during the evening if they wish to dodge penalties, as authorities gear up to apply key regulations more strictly throughout the summer.
Simon has warned that unruly behaviour from tourists will be met with zero tolerance from local authorities in the months ahead, with tougher enforcement and hefty fines awaiting those who flout the rules.
Simon said: “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.”
The days of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours have ended, as the islands have imposed tougher restrictions on public drinking and alcohol promotions in bars and pubs. Under the Balearic law, holidaymakers are now prohibited from drinking alcohol on streets and beaches, with penalties ranging from €750 (£650) to €3,000 (£2,600) for those who flout the regulations.
Off-licence alcohol sales have also been subject to limitations, with purchases forbidden between 9.30pm and 8am in specific areas, as part of continued measures to curb street drinking and address 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.”
