Tourists planning a getaway to the sun-drenched island of Majorca are being put on high alert due to a significant and strictly enforced new law. The Balearic Islands government has introduced a sweeping ban targeting a specific tourist activity, and authorities are not hesitating to slap offenders with substantial fines.
What Exactly Is Now Banned?
The new legislation explicitly prohibits tourists from purchasing and consuming alcohol from specific types of shops during anti-social hours. The crackdown is squarely aimed at curbing the excessive drinking and disorderly conduct often associated with certain types of tourism.
The banned items include any alcoholic beverages purchased from convenience stores or supermarkets between the hours of 9:30 pm and 8:00 am. This measure is designed to prevent the notorious 'street drinking' and public drunkenness that has plagued popular resort areas.
Where Does This Apply?
This isn't a minor local ordinance. The ban is in full force across three key tourist hotspots in the Balearic Islands:
- Majorca: Specifically in the areas of Playa de Palma and El Arenal.
- Ibiza: Enforced in the West End of Sant Antoni.
- Magaluf: The entire resort is subject to the new rules.
These zones have been designated as 'areas of excess tourism' where additional, stricter regulations apply to maintain public order and safety.
The Stiff Penalties For Breaking The Rules
Local police are under instruction to enforce this ban rigorously. The consequences for ignoring the law are severe and will undoubtedly put a dent in your holiday budget.
Fines for being caught drinking banned alcohol in public start from a hefty €500 (£430) and can skyrocket to an eye-watering €1,500 (£1,290) for more serious breaches of the peace. This is a cost no holidaymaker wants to face.
More Than Just an Alcohol Ban
The alcohol sales restriction is just one part of a broader package of measures introduced to combat 'tourism of excess'. Other rules now in effect include:
- A ban on party boats advertising and selling alcohol within their packages.
- A prohibition on shops selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
- Restrictions on the number of drinks available at all-inclusive resorts (a maximum of six per person per day at lunch and dinner).
These comprehensive measures signal a major shift in how the Balearic Islands are managing their tourism industry, prioritising quality and safety over sheer volume.
What This Means For Your Holiday
For the vast majority of tourists who enjoy a responsible drink with a meal or in a licensed bar, these changes will have little to no impact. The rules are specifically designed to target the small minority whose behaviour causes problems.
However, it is now more crucial than ever to be aware of local laws. Purchasing a bottle of wine from a supermarket after 9:30 pm for a quiet drink on your balcony could now result in a fine if you are spotted consuming it in a public space.
The message from local authorities is clear: enjoy your holiday, respect the local community, and drink responsibly within licensed premises to avoid any unwanted penalties.
