British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain are being cautioned that they could be hit with fines of up to £2,484 for breaching stringent local laws. The popular tourist destination is clamping down on public boozing and unruly behaviour, with hefty penalties being dished out across major hotspots for rule-breakers.
Alcohol consumption is being curtailed in all three major resorts in Majorca, including Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia, as well as San Antonio, in a bid to combat antisocial antics. The booze ban stretches 1.85km off the coast in all four locations, where party boats are prohibited from approaching the areas, and there's been a crackdown on happy hours, public drinking and alcohol sales between 9.30pm and 8.00am.
If public drinking leads to disturbances or crowds, then tourists could face fines ranging from £580 to £1,242 (€750 to €1,500), while in more serious cases, fines can rocket up to £2,484 (€3,000) and culprits may be ordered to report back to their embassy. The Spanish government has set aside up to €16 million to enforce the public drinking ban, with security teams actively patrolling popular tourist hubs, especially during peak periods like Christmas and New Year.
Experts at One Sure Insurance are advising British holidaymakers to be mindful of the strict rules on public drinking that could land them in hot water in popular tourist destinations, reports the Express. A spokesperson has issued a stark warning: "As British tourists head abroad to enjoy the Christmas period or New Year, there is an increased risk of them unintentionally breaking local laws that have recently been introduced or tightened.".
