Irish tourists are being warned to brace themselves for a strict 9pm to 8am clampdown on festivities in Spain, with experts urging caution for travellers and the need for awareness around Spain's tough stance on public drinking.
The Balearic Island of Majorca is seeing stringent measures enforced across its popular resorts, targeting happy hours, public drinking, and alcohol sales during the late-night and early-morning hours.
A representative from One Sure Insurance told Birmingham Live: "With mass tourism a growing issue across Spain, the government has made it clear that they are committed to enforcing fines for those engaging in disruptive or inappropriate behaviour."
They continued, stressing the importance of compliance: "Tourists need to be aware that these laws are being strictly enforced, and they must adjust their behaviour to avoid potentially costly fines. The government has made it clear that laws such as the public drinking ban, as well as restrictions on things like party boat trips, pub crawls, and alcohol sales after hours, are not just temporary measures, but long-term regulations in place until at least 2027."
In certain parts of Spain, it's against the law to consume alcohol in public spaces, with immediate fines being issued. Strict regulations are in place regarding drinking and engaging in sexual activities in public areas, including beaches.
Local laws restrict the sale and accessibility of alcohol in specific resort areas on the Balearic Islands, such as Magaluf (Calvià), Mallorca, Playa de Palma, Mallorca and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany), Ibiza.
These restrictions include banning happy hours, open bars (like 'all you can drink in one hour' deals), alcohol vending machines, self-service alcohol dispensers, organising pub crawls and party boat trips.
Hotels and other establishments will evict guests who engage in dangerous behaviour on balconies, and fines may also be imposed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland have also urged tourists to be mindful of the dangers of date rape drugs, warning:
"The Spanish authorities have warned of date rape drugs, including GBH and liquid ecstasy, being used. Don’t inadvertently lower your alertness to these risks simply because you are on holiday."
