Foreign tourists were intimidated by huge fines for attending illegal parties in the Balearic Islands, which include the famous resort islands of Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. According to The Sun, the intensification of measures is connected not only with the rules still in force in the Spanish archipelago, but also with the change in the image of popular Mediterranean resorts. The rules may be introduced on the eve of this year’s high summer holiday season.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Spanish government was already trying to fight illegal raves, even hiring special people who pretended to be tourists who wanted to have fun at a private party, and then catch violators. However, now the officials have gone even further and decided to impose heavy fines on illegal “partygoers” if they get caught by the controlling bodies in Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. We are talking about the amount from 300 to 30,000 euros.
The new events apply to individuals, ie tourists, as well as restaurants, cafes, pubs and other establishments where an event can be organized with a large number of drunken vacationers. Under the law, local authorities understand the lack of a license in the institution and the collection of entrance fees from visitors. Fines can affect homeowners, who often rent out their homes to tourists without controlling what is happening there.
Announcing the plans, a member of the Balearic Islands government, Mercedes Garrido, said: “We were looking for measures to stop illegal parties and make the organizers think twice when they are planning a party.” According to the publication, with this approach, the authorities may start fining family gatherings with music.
Meanwhile, officials said their actions would be fair. And the imposition of fines is a way to deal with the chaos and drunken behavior that is most often caused by alcohol. However, this is the only innovation for those who like to relax at full capacity in Spanish resorts:
- First, all-inclusive vacationers are now deprived of unlimited access to alcohol: there will be a limit of no more than six drinks a day. The ban was introduced for the same reason – to reduce the number of drunken intentions. The rules apply to tourists vacationing in Magaluf, Mallorca and some parts of Ibiza. Read the details in the article “Tourists in a rage after the introduction of the rule “6 drinks a day” in hotels at the All inclusive popular resort“.
- Second, the sale of alcohol in resort stores is prohibited from 9:30 pm to 8:00 am.
- Third, any advertising of yachts and boats is prohibited.
According to the Prime Minister of the Balearic Islands, with the help of restrictive measures, officials are trying to improve the image of resorts that are famous for drunkenness and bad behavior. However, according to local hoteliers, such events force travelers not to change their behavior, but to choose alternative recreation options outside of austerity measures.