UK tourists planning on travelling to Spain this summer, for either sun or sports, could face significant fines for breaking new local laws this summer in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Holidaymakers planning to enjoy the sun or support England at the Euros 2024 could face fines of £500 for breaking a number of new public rules. They are being warned against activities such as smoking, drinking and wearing football shirts.
Spanish authorities are set to ramp up enforcement on unsuitable attire while also tightening rules around alcohol consumption in some of the country’s most popular tourist spots.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, urging people to comply with local legislation, or risk facing hefty fines.
“As the Euros kick off this month, we are seeing increasing numbers of British tourists head to their holiday destinations to enjoy matches in the sun. This has meant increasing bans on specific clothing items including football shirts and novelty wear to promote a more respectful environment,” said a spokesperson from One Sure Insurance.
“Majorca has seen multiple restaurants targeting clothes associated with drunken tourism. We’ve also seen that wearing just a bikini or being bare-chested with swimming shorts away from the beach could land tourists fines of up to £500 in various locations.”
Similarly, destinations including Majorca and Ibiza are witnessing stricter regulations on alcohol consumption in resort areas such as Playa de Palma, Magaluf and San Antonio. Among those to be prohibited are off-licence alcohol sales between 9.30pm and 8am, happy hours, pub crawls and party boats.
Several areas are enforcing fines for smoking in public places including beaches and restaurant terraces, as high as £1,700, while drinking on the beach can lead to a £650 fine and discarding cigarette butts or litters from a moving vehicle could result in fines of over £168.
The Foreign Office has also advised that hotels, apartment blocks and other venues are obliged to evict customers that are behaving dangerously on balconies, warning that there had been several serious – even fatal – accidents involving British nationals.
“Do not take unnecessary risks around balconies or other high places, particularly if you’re under the influence of drink or drugs. If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice at the hotel or apartment, and watch out for friends who may be at risk.
“In some regions you may be fined or evicted from your hotel if you are found to be behaving irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident happened.”
What is more, following successful efforts by local marine wildlife conservationists, fines of £560 could be levied on those who use soap or shampoo at the beach when using the available showers.
“We are urging all travellers to familiarise themselves with these regulations before departing to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience,” added experts at One Sure Insurance.
