The measure banning the consumption of alcohol in public places between 9.30 pm and 8 am in Mallorca and Ibiza started to be implemented last Saturday, with the Balearic Islands government adding another measure against over-tourism to its quiver.
The new decree passed by the Balearic Islands government bans the sale and consumption of alcohol late at night, in public places, in Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia (Magaluf) in Mallorca and San Antonio in Ibiza.
Those caught consuming alcohol outside the permitted areas will be fined between €500 and €1,500, according to the new rules that came into force.
The measures to combat drunken holidays in tourist areas also provides for a ban on party boats sailing within one nautical mile of any of the destinations. It also bans boats from picking up and dropping off passengers in these areas, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.
The bans follow the tightening of a law passed by the Balearic Islands government four years ago to tackle alcohol overconsumption.
It is foreseen that up to €16 million will be spent on enforcing the ban on alcohol consumption in public places, as well as on safety, controls and awareness-raising for tourists in areas of “over-tourism”.
However, some businesses have criticised the legislation, saying that tourists will go to neighbouring resorts that are not subject to the restrictions.
Luis Pomar, spokesman for the Balearic Islands tourism board, told the BBC that the 2020 law has worked to curb anti-social behaviour. He added that he hoped the law would no longer be necessary “in three to four years’ time if we instil in people how to behave”.
He said a committee to “promote civility in tourist zones” would be expanded to include representatives from countries whose tourists have been associated with the most problems, such as the UK and Germany.
