Irish tourists travelling to Spain this summer could be caught out by a strict six-drink rule, a travel expert has cautioned.
Visitors heading to the Balearic Islands may face hefty fines as Spanish authorities step up efforts to tackle excessive partying ahead of the busy holiday season, reports The Mirror.
More than 2.5 million Irish people travel to Spain annually, with the Balearic Islands — including Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera — ranking among the most popular destinations.
However, following a rise in disruptive tourist behaviour, locals have organised anti-tourism protests, calling for action over rowdy conduct, rising rental costs and overcrowded beaches in recent years, reports The Mirror.
In response, Spanish officials have introduced stricter measures targeting tourists and alcohol consumption, particularly in hotspots such as Magaluf and San Antonio.
Under the 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’, drinking alcohol in public spaces is now prohibited. Those who breach the rules could face fines ranging from €500 to €3,000, depending on the seriousness of the offence, reports The Mirror.
Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, has warned holidaymakers planning trips to party destinations like Majorca and Ibiza in the coming months.
He advised that tourists should avoid drinking in public areas and causing excessive noise at night if they want to avoid penalties, as authorities are expected to enforce regulations more strictly over the summer, reports The Mirror.
Simon stressed that anti-social behaviour from visitors will not be tolerated, with officials prepared to impose stricter penalties and issue significant fines where necessary.
He explained: “In response to recent overtourism protests, the islands of Majorca and Ibiza have introduced Responsible Tourism regulations following understandable concerns from local residents.
“Although these laws were first brought in during 2024, recent updates have been proposed that many travellers may not yet be aware of. Tourists should be careful not to take alcoholic drinks onto the streets or spill them. Being overly loud and drawing attention to yourself can also quickly lead to trouble.
“Those planning all-inclusive holidays or bar crawls are also impacted by these rules. For instance, limits on all-inclusive alcohol have been introduced in party resorts such as Magaluf, Playa de Palma and San Antonio.
“If you have booked an all-inclusive stay, you are limited to a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per day, split between lunch and your evening meal. Attempting to exceed this allowance or bypass hotel staff could result in additional charges, as hotels are permitted to impose extra costs for breaking these rules,”, reports The Mirror.
The era of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours has also been curtailed, as tighter controls have been placed on alcohol promotions in bars and pubs. Current Balearic regulations ban drinking in streets and on beaches, with fines ranging from €750 to €3,000 for violations.
Restrictions have also been introduced on off-licence alcohol sales, with purchases banned between 9.30pm and 8am in certain areas to further discourage street drinking and anti-social behaviour, reports The Mirror.
Simon added: “At John Mason International, we always advise our clients to be mindful and respect local laws and regulations. These measures aim to reduce excessive binge drinking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a few drinks by the pool and have a great holiday — it simply means being aware of your surroundings.
“While the rules may appear strict, they are designed to create a balance between residents going about their daily lives and tourists enjoying their time away. If I could offer one key piece of advice, it would be to enjoy yourself responsibly,”, reports The Mirror.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has also issued guidance regarding alcohol consumption in Spain.
It said: “Alcoholic drinks are often served in larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. Drinking alcohol in public places, aside from licensed premises such as bars and restaurants, is generally prohibited and could result in a fine,”, reports The Mirror.
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