British holidaymakers travelling to Spain are being warned they face fines of up to £2,484 for breaking strict local laws.
The tourist hotspot is cracking down on public drinking and inappropriate behaviour, with hefty penalties being imposed across major destinations for those who break the rules.
Alcohol consumption is being restricted in all three major resorts in Majorca, which includes Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia, as well as San Antonio, as part of efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour.
The ban extends 1.85km off the coast in all four destinations, where party boats are banned from getting close to the areas, and there has been a clamp down on happy hours, drinking in public and sales of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8.00am.
If public drinking causes disturbances or crowds, then tourists can be slapped with fines from £580 to £1,242 (€750 to €1,500), while in more severe cases, fines can escalate up to £2,484 (€3,000) and offenders may be required to return to their embassy.
The Spanish government has allocated up to €16 million to enforce the ban on public drinking, with security teams actively inspecting popular tourism centres, particularly during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year.
Experts at One Sure Insurance are urging British holidaymakers to be aware of the strict regulations on public drinking that could land them in trouble in popular tourist hotspots.
A spokesperson said: “As British tourists head abroad to enjoy the Christmas period or New Year, there is an increased risk of them unintentionally breaking local laws that have recently been introduced or tightened.
“With mass tourism a growing issue across Spain, the government has made it clear that they are committed to enforcing fines for those engaging in disruptive or inappropriate behaviour, especially around the busy Christmas and New Year period.
“Tourists need to be aware that these laws are being strictly enforced, and they must adjust their behaviour to avoid potentially costly fines.
“The government has made it clear that laws such as the public drinking ban, as well as restrictions on things like party boat trips, pub crawls, and alcohol sales after hours, are not just temporary measures, but long-term regulations in place until at least 2027.”