British holidaymakers heading to Spain will soon face an additional charge when purchasing drinks in bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. A new Spanish regulation, set to take effect in November 2026, introduces a bottle deposit system aimed at boosting recycling rates and reducing environmental waste.
How the Deposit System Works
Under the new rules, customers will pay an extra fee of around 10 cents for every bottled or canned drink purchased. This charge applies to drinks sold in their original packaging, whether at a bar, restaurant, or supermarket. However, the fee is not a tax but a refundable deposit. Shoppers can reclaim the deposit by returning the empty bottle or can to the original point of sale or to an authorised collection machine.
The deposit will be itemised separately on the bill. Collection machines, capable of scanning barcodes and verifying returns, will be installed across Spain, allowing consumers to receive refunds in cash or store vouchers.
Obligations for Retailers and Venues
Supermarkets and retailers will be legally required to accept returns of plastic, glass, or aluminium containers, regardless of where they were originally purchased. Bars and restaurants will also update their systems to implement the deposit scheme. The regulation follows similar practices already in place in Denmark, Germany, and Norway.
Impact on British Tourists
Spain remains a top holiday destination for Britons, who often enjoy drinks at beachside bars, purchase wine with paella, or buy beers from supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour. The new deposit charge will affect these common purchases, adding a small upfront cost that can be recovered by returning the packaging.
Local news outlet Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that the initiative aims to improve recycling rates and reduce litter. The Spanish government hopes the system will encourage both residents and visitors to participate in sustainable waste management.
Additional Measures at Spanish Airports
In related news, Spanish airports are taking steps to ease border control delays for Brits following the rollout of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES). Airport authority AENA has instructed staff to streamline the process, including redirecting families with young children and passengers with reduced mobility to older passport-stamping lanes when digital queues exceed 25 minutes. Flight arrivals may also be staggered to reduce congestion.
These adjustments, described as temporary measures rather than a suspension of the new system, aim to minimise disruption for British tourists travelling to popular Spanish destinations.
