Spain has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers, but before jetting off it’s crucial Britons are aware of certain rules which could see them slapped with an “on-the-spot-fine”. While you might enjoy sipping a cold beer in the sun on holiday, it’s important that you aren’t doing so in a prohibited area.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states: “You cannot drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can be given an on-the-spot fine.”
There are strict controls on drinking alcohol in public places in Spain, including on beaches, unless you are in a licensed area such as a bar. However, where the rules apply depends on the specific part of Spain you are in, with local councils free to decide their own rules.
Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are just a few regions where these laws impact.
Violating this law can carry fines of up to €3,000 (approximately £2,580), according to the Madrid tourism website.
Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the islands of Mallorca, Magaluf (Calvià), Playa de Palma, Ibiza and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany).
The rules mean that open bars, such as all-you-can-drink offers, and happy hours may be banned.
The organising of pub crawls and party boat trips, the sale of alcohol from vending machines and off-license sales between 9.30pm and 8am may also be banned.
The FCO added: “Hotels and other establishments are obliged to evict customers who behave dangerously on balconies. Both the customer and the establishment can be fined for such behaviour.”
Many of these rules were brought in to cut down on drunk and disorderly behaviour, especially in popular party destinations. In some hotels in select destinations, this means all-inclusive packages may be limited.
In some resorts, tourists are limited to six per person, per day.
