All-inclusive hotels to limit booze to exact number of drinks in drunk tourist crackdown

If you're heading to a resort in Majorca or Ibiza you'll want to be aware of a strict 'six drink rule' that is in force across the islands in Spain for British tourists

Lucy Skoulding Freelance writer, Charles Wade-Palmer Chief News Reporter and James Rodger

11:33, 04 Oct 2024Updated 11:37, 04 Oct 2024

The restriction means that guests who are staying in all-inclusive hotels have a limit of six drinks per day. The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening.

The restriction means all-inclusive hotels will enforce a limit of six drinks per day(Image: No credit)

Spain's all-inclusive resorts in top holiday spots are putting their foot down on boozy antics with the introduction of a "six-drink rule".

Sun-seekers heading to Spanish hotspots will now have to watch their tipple intake, as they're pegged back to just six drinks a day thats three for your lunch and another trio come suppertime. This new booze ban is hitting resorts like Magaluf, Playa de Palma, El Arenal in Majorca, and not forgetting San Antonio in Ibiza.

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CW Real Estate Ibiza, CEO Christian Wolf, makes the point that while knocking back the bevvies might be normal in some tourist's hometowns, over in Spain its about sipping slow and savouring the taste, reports the Mirror.

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"Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking," Christian said. Tourists jetting in to live it large by the pool might not clock that necking shots isn't exactly the done thing locally.

Tourists are being asked to take it easy (Image: Getty Images)

Christian explained reigning in the razzle might not be such a bad shout. He pointed out: "It's important to enjoy yourself, but drinking to excess can lead to public disturbances, property damage, and strained relationships with the locals."

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The real estate kingpin is also playing the waiting game on this one, commenting: "Time will tell if this rule will be effective, and if more establishments will enforce it or if it simply fizzles out."

He further explained the reasoning behind the rule: "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 regulations, first introduced in 2020, were ramped up in 2024 with additional measures such as limiting late-night alcohol sales in shops and tightening control over boat parties.

Brits have been advised to slow down and take in the culture on holiday(Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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Retailers selling booze are mandated to close between 9.30pm and 8am. An ABTA spokesperson declared: "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."

Individuals found guilty of boozing in a manner that "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquility of the environment" could be slapped with fines ranging from €750 to €1,500 (£645 to £1,290).

This comes as a typically bustling Spanish hotspot popular among tourists was reported to be 'half empty', sparking concerns for bar and restaurant owners. Magaluf is usually teeming with holiday-goers at the start of June.

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However, photos taken at the end of May showed rows of unoccupied sunbeds on its beaches.

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