Bars and holidaymakers could be fined up to 3,000 euros under new rules coming into force in Majorca as part of a crackdown on bars running ‘happy hour’ and ‘two for one’ booze promotions.
The city of Palma has approved the move to limit the promotion, sales and consumption of alcohol in areas declared “special touristic interest” from April 1.
The tourist zones affected in the island’s capital are Cala Major, Center, Paseo Maritimo and the entire Playa de Palma.
Bars which flout the rules in these areas could now face fines of up to 3,000 euros while holidaymakers could also be fined for antisocial behaviour or causing a public nuisance.
Abta has released a bulletin to members giving details of the clampdown issued to the association by the local Spanish authorities.
From April 1, bars will be forbidden to “incite to consume alcohol”. The new rules ban alcoholic drinks from being on display on countertops as well as happy hours and two for one drink promotions.
Bars in a small number of streets must also now ensure customers do not take drinks outside to drink on the street. The ban on outside drinking applies in the following streets: Carrer del Pare Bartomeu Salvà, Carrer del Llaüt and Carrer de les Canyes.
Fines on holidaymakers are specifically aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, rather than for drinking in the street.
The moves follow the recent summit in Majorca on excessive alcohol consumption by holidaymakers, which also raised a proposal to limit alcohol consumption at all inclusive hotels. This proposal is still under consideration.