Balearic Islands clamp down on drunk tourists with new alcohol ban
The Balearic authorities are taking concrete steps to combat drunk tourists. Starting from May 10, alcohol consumption on the main streets of Majorca and Ibiza is prohibited. The ban also impacts party boats that sell alcohol; they're forbidden from coming within about 1.2 miles of alcohol-free zones.
The Spanish authorities decided to fight against "destructive and dangerous behaviors" among tourists. This decision was driven by the excessive number of incidents involving tourists and alcohol reported by the residents of Ibiza and Majorca.
On Friday, May 10, a ban on alcohol consumption on the nightlife-centric streets of both islands was enacted—penalties for non-compliance range from fines of approximately $675 to $2,025 CAD.
This is not the end of the restrictions. The authorities of the Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea also firmly rejected so-called "party boats," where alcohol was available for purchase. The new law prohibits such vessels from staying about 1.2 miles from the coast of the zones where alcohol consumption is banned.
The law "combating anti-social behavior" is not enough
The original law aimed at curtailing excessive drinking on the islands was introduced as early as 2020. At that time, the authorities described it as "combating anti-social behaviors." Four years later, it became evident that the law was too lenient and tourists disregarded it.
Read also: She showed what happens in all-inclusive hotels at 7 a.m. The internet went wild
New decree implementing prohibition
The new decree will be in effect in the Balearics until at least December 2027. The authorities believe that during this period, it will be possible to "educate" tourists, and further restrictions will become unnecessary.
The mayor of Palma, the capital of Majorca, stated that one of the new law's primary goals is "to correct uncivil attitudes." He stressed that it applies equally to vacationers and residents.
The new law banning the nighttime sale of alcohol in retail establishments and the regulation against the presence of party boats was introduced in Llucmajor, Palma, and Calvia on Majorca as well as Sant Antoni on Ibiza.
