Balearic Islands shake up the tourist party scene by enforcing alcohol ban

The Balearic government has banned the consumption of alcohol in public places, impacting German and British tourists fond of these Mediterranean islands with new regulations starting Saturday, May 11. From now on, being caught with an open can of beer on the beach or city streets could lead to a fine ranging from approximately $590 to CAD 1,770.

Spanish authorities have long sought to curb "alcohol tourism." The regional government has rolled out a legislative package to "improve" the regulations outlined in 2020.

Group drinking on the street was previously prohibited, but without defining a specific number of individuals. Four years after those initial regulations, the rules have been tightened even further.

Peace is expected to prevail in renowned party locales like Playa de Palma and Magaluf on Mallorca and Sant Antoni on Ibiza. Tranquillity will extend to the sea as the law enforces more stringent regulations on party boats.

Party boats seeking to pick up tourists are now barred from within less than one nautical mile (about 2 kilometres) of designated areas.

Individuals violating the regulations will face penalties ranging from approximately $590 to CAD 1,770. "Under the new law, coming into force on Saturday, the number of sanctions taken against foreigners will be counted and submitted to the respective embassies,” the BBC informs.

The Balearics are clamping down on alcohol-fueled tourism

Luis Pomar, a spokesperson for the Balearic Tourism Council, told the service that the legislation aims to diminish anti-social behaviour. He hoped such stringent measures would no longer be necessary "in three to four years if we instil in people how to behave."

An alcohol sales ban will be enforced from 9:30 PM to 8 AM Eastern Time. Additionally, the promotion and sale of alcohol in specific tourist zones are now under tighter controls.

Pomar mentioned forming a commission to promote good citizenship in tourist locales. It will include representatives from the nations whose tourists are frequently linked with disturbances: the United Kingdom and Germany.

Furthermore, around 19 million CAD will be allocated to enhance areas with dense tourist activity. The reform came at the behest of local authorities.