Brits on all-inclusive holidays in Magaluf and Ibiza to be hit with six drinks a day limit

BRITS on all-inclusive holidays in Magaluf and Ibiza will be hit with a new six drinks a day limit.

Government chiefs in Ibiza and Mallorca say they passed the new law in an attempt to crack down on boozy and drunken behaviour.

The regulations will affect tourists in the popular holiday hotspots of Arenal and Magaluf in Mallorca and in the West End of San Antonio in Ibiza.

The six drinks a day will apply to any new bookings at all-inclusive hotels from now on.

Additionally, the limit will mean Brits can only have three free drinks at lunch and three with their evening meal.

It will apply to any new bookings at all-inclusive hotels from now on.

Balearic Government chiefs say they want to improve the image of the party resorts which have a reputation for boozy and bad behaviour. 

Included in the new legislation are big fines for 'balconing' - jumping into a swimming pool from a hotel balcony and a ban on pub crawls and drink offers such as happy hours and two for ones.

BOOZE LIMIT

But the new regulations have caused controversy with the British Association of Travel Agents (ABTA) slamming the changes as "misdirected".

The ABTA is asking the Balearic Government to think again about this element of the campaign.

A statement on their website reads: "The Balearic Islands and the destinations of Magaluf and San Antonio are very popular with British holidaymakers.

"While we strongly support initiatives that improve the health and safety of holidaymakers, as well as the welfare of local communities, such as encouraging bar owners to take a more responsible approach to the sale of alcohol and campaigning for balcony safety among young holidaymakers, we believe some of the measures announced in relation to addressing unsociable behaviour, for example targeting all-inclusive holidays, are misdirected.

"The vast majority of holidaymakers on all-inclusives are couples and families, so it is difficult to see how imposing strict rules on this type of arrangement will fix the problem of anti-social behaviour in resort.

"We would encourage the Balearic authorities to reconsider this."

The ABTA noted that the limits on drinks does not apply to all-inclusive holidays that have already been booked in these resorts.

Neither does the six-a-day limit apply to any of the all-inclusive hotels outside of Arenal, Magaluf and San Antonio.

Hotel owners are said to be worried and claim tourists are already shunning their establishments and opting for those outside the zones.

The new regulations will be valid for five years, with breaches leading to a penalty-based-system of fines of up to €600,000 and suspension of activity for up to three years.

Contracts already signed between tour operators and hoteliers will be respected to prevent any legal or contractual issues.

A spokesperson for the Balearic Government said: "The Balearic Islands government has approved a Decree Law to combat alcohol excess in certain tourist areas, with the aim of forcing real change in the tourism model of these destinations; promoting responsible conduct, adopting measures to protect the destination and avoiding issues derived from excessive alcohol consumption in certain places of the Balearic Islands.

"This is the first standard adopted throughout Europe, which restricts the promotion and sale of alcohol in certain tourist areas.

"This new law aims to position the Balearic Islands as a pioneer destination in combating excesses in tourism with a standard that meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Balearic Agenda.

This new law aims to position the Balearic Islands as a pioneer destination in combating excesses in tourism.

Balearic Government spokesperson

"The law aims to create a more sustainable and respectful tourism model, in terms of the environment, the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience.

"The creation of this new bill is in the public interest and has come about following extensive dialogue.

"In recent times, efforts to positively promote the destination, create a better quality experience - via both public and private investments - and position the destination in an increasingly competitive and global market have been negatively impacted due to issues of unsociable behaviour often related to alcohol abuse in certain tourist areas of Mallorca and Ibiza.

"With this new law defended and requested by institutions, social enterprises, businesses and employers, the government provides the necessary tools to combat the issue and reverse any negative impact."

Hotels are also being given the authority to immediately throw out unruly guests.

Recently, a ban was put on booze cruises and pub crawls in Magaluf and tougher "on-the-spot" penalties, with fines for anti-social behaviour soared by at least four times.

Calvià council, which covers all the main tourist hotspots in and around Magaluf, published a revised list of existing sanctions which were increased in price.

One of the main objectives was to tackle drinking in the street and bottle parties, one of the most common problems during the tourist season.

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