Spain has introduced a ‘Six Drink Rule’ for some of its most popular holiday hotspots in the Balearic Islands.
The crackdown is aimed at reducing drunk and disorderly behaviour and includes a ban on pub crawls, happy hours and 2 for 1 deals.
Where does the six drinks rule apply?
It’s currently only in force in the following resorts:
• Magaluf (Calvià), Mallorca
• Playa de Palma, Mallorca
• San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany), Ibiza
At the moment, there are no such restrictions on the island of Menorca.
The ban means no more happy hours, open sessions like ‘all you can drink in one hour’ offers, vending machine sales, self-service alcohol dispensers, ‘off-licence’ sales between 9:30pm and 8am, and organised pub crawls and party boat trips from the specified resorts.
However, you can still buy alcohol in bars and restaurants.
Breaking the rules could land you with a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,290).
What about all-inclusive holidays?
In the resorts mentioned above, the six drink limit applies even if you have an all-inclusive package.
That means you are limited to three alcoholic drinks at lunch and another three at dinner – so say farewell to those poolside piña coladas!
What about the rest of Spain?
The country has some tough alcohol laws and bans, and it’s already illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain.
And there are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches. Being drunk and disorderly can net you an on-the-spot fine.
Hotels and other establishments anywhere in the country will evict you, if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.
Is this new rule changing your holiday plans?
Will you think twice about an all-inclusive holiday?
More about Spain’s alcohol rules:
The information above is correct at the time of writing, and the scheme is due to last at least three years, but please check the Foreign Office website for any updates.
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