Madrid, May 12 (Reuters) – The Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, which are popular holiday destinations, are restricting the drinking of alcohol on public streets in an effort to curb antisocial behavior by tourists.
The government of the Balearic Islands said that in four popular party zones, such as Playa de Palma on Mallorca, there will be a public ban on drinking alcohol on beaches and public property. Tourists and locals who are caught with an open container, such as a beer can, for example, could face a fine of between €500 and €1,500 ($540 to $1,616).
The new rules are expected to take effect in the next few days after they are published in the official gazette. The “Decree on Responsible Tourism” affects parts of the municipalities of Palma and Llucmajor on Mallorca, including the Playa de Palma resort and the British party zone of Magaluf, as well as the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany on Ibiza.
Each of these zones will receive 4 million euros per year to implement and enforce the rules. This money comes from tourist taxes. The ban does not apply to the terraces of bars and restaurants or to other places where alcohol consumption is expressly permitted.
Party boats can continue to serve alcohol, but they must now stay 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) away from the zones where the ban is in effect. In addition, the boats will no longer be able to pick up or drop off passengers in these zones.
It is hoped that this tightening of controls will help to reduce excessive drinking and disruptive behavior, which is a problem in the tourist areas of Mallorca and Ibiza. It should also help to create a calmer and more pleasant atmosphere for both tourists and locals.
Key points:
- Mallorca and Ibiza are banning public drinking in four tourist zones.
- The aim is to reduce antisocial behavior by tourists and create a calmer atmosphere.
- Tourists and locals who are caught with open alcohol containers could face fines of between €500 and €1,500.
- The ban does not apply to bar and restaurant terraces.
- Party boats can still serve alcohol, but they must stay 1 nautical mile away from the restricted zones and cannot pick up or drop off passengers in these zones.
