Outrage in Majorca and Ibiza as binge-drinking Brits face ‘three-drink limit’

British tourists bound for some of Spain’s most popular resorts including Magaluf as well as the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza are to face a new drinking crackdown as new drink limits are being imposed – in a move which will likely spark fury on the popular holiday islands.

Guests at some all-inclusive resorts will be restricted to a total of six alcoholic drinks per day, with a cap of three for lunch and three for dinner. 

CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza, Christian Wolf, explained the decision, saying: “Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking”. 

Wolf added that travellers may not be aware that binge drinking is not as socially acceptable in Spain as it is elsewhere, adding: “It’s important to enjoy yourself, but drinking to excess can lead to public disturbances, property damage, and strained relationships with the locals.”

He added: “Time will tell if this rule will be effective, and if more establishments will enforce it or if it simply fizzles out. This way they are not just drinking to get drunk, but to enjoy their time with their friends and family and have longevity throughout the night”.

The new regulation is being enforced in the resorts of Magaluf, Playa de Palma and El Arenalall in Majorca and San Antonio in Ibiza. 

Guidance from 2020 which was aimed at clamping down on binge drinking in parts of the Balearics were ramped up earlier in 2024 with additional rules including limiting late-night alcohol sales in shops and tighter supervision on boat parties. 

Under the new regulations, retailers are no longer permitted to sell alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am. 

Individuals found acting in a disruptive manner could face penalties ranging from 750 to 1,500 euros (£645 to £1,290). 

It comes amid fears Spanish destinations such as Ibiza are gaining the reputation of a party hotspot, one of the concerns raised by protesters during the spring and summer. A 10,000 strong mass-tourism protest occurred in Palma in Majorca on May 26, with other protests occurring around the same time on the smaller islands of Ibiza and Menorca.

Among their calls to the government was to stop new tourist spots being opened. The president of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, criticised relevant tourism authorities for trying to expand tourism volume instead of aiming for sustainable quality tourism.

The new regulations also come as the tourism industry is left concerned about Spanish travel destinations being left “half empty” after the protests left tourists feeling unwelcome. In Magaluf, pictures have emerged of deserted sunbeds while bar owners in Majorca have also noted rows of vacant tables at a time of year when it usually remains busy at night. 

An ABTA representative – a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry – said: “ABTA will continue to engage with the Balearic Islands Government, ABTA Members and other parties, to encourage clear communication and exchange of information, in order to ensure holidaymakers travelling to hotels in the designated areas enjoy a positive customer experience”.