Spain’s New All-Inclusive Rules

Spain: a favourite destination for British tourists, but for how much longer? The country has announced that, in certain cities and districts, new, stronger rules are being introduced, concerning the consumption of alcohol in all-inclusive settings.

These new rules limit all-inclusive alcohol consumption to a daily maximum of six ‘free’ drinks—three at lunchtime and three more at dinner. Enjoying all-inclusive alcoholic beverages around the pool will no longer be an activity for fun-loving Brits.

These changes aren’t country-wide; currently, it’s just limited to the Balearic Islands—and even then, only in certain areas. Magaluf, El Arenal and Playa de Palma in Mallorca, and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, have seen the new rules come into play, which have encroached on more than just drinking practices. The advertising of boat parties is prohibited in certain areas. Pub crawls are also banned. I’m not entirely sure how officials plan to enforce a ban on pub crawls, but they warn that fines of up to £85,000 could be given out. Shops in these hotspots are also prevented from selling alcohol between the hours of 9.30pm and 8am.

The intention behind these changes to Spain legislation is to stop troublesome British tourists ruining other travellers’ holidays and disturbing the peace of those who call the islands their home. Sadly, it’s usually British tourists that cause issues. Every year, we’re inundated with unsavoury images in the media of Brits heavily intoxicated and causing damage. There’s hope from the Balearic Island Government, the UK Government and the travel association ABTA that the new rules will mean an improvement in the behaviour of British tourists, due to a reduction in the amount of alcohol they can consume.

Personally, I think it’s a great idea. Seeing images of drunk and obnoxious Brits abroad is embarrassing. I’m not saying they should ban alcohol completely; it would make no sense—the islands would lose too much revenue because holidaymakers will go elsewhere.