Spain's Balearic Islands tighten restrictions on partying and public drinking

Spain's Balearic Islands are implementing stricter regulations on public drinking and party boats to address issues related to excessive tourism.

The updated rules now prohibit drinking in public areas in popular tourist spots on Ibiza and Mallorca, except for designated terraces and licensed establishments. Those who violate the regulations will face fines ranging from €500 to €1,500 ($540-$1,615).

Party boats selling alcohol on board will now be prohibited from being within one nautical mile of the specified areas. Additionally, passengers will not be allowed to board or disembark in these affected zones.

The recent measures are intended to further address disruptive behavior. The government has opted for a more lenient approach compared to its 2020 decree targeting "excess tourism," now emphasizing "responsible tourism." It recognizes that the initial wording was detrimental to the islands' primary industry, acknowledging that tourism contributes over 45% to the community's GDP.

The islands have always been popular spots for young travelers and famous people to enjoy the nightlife.

The original 22-article decree, implemented in 2020, was a response to reports of disrespectful behavior in certain tourist areas of Mallorca and Ibiza, largely due to excessive drinking. This behavior had tarnished the reputation of these destinations and led to a nightlife culture that was not conducive to the local residents.

Year after year, there have been reports of young tourists engaging in uncivil behavior that has raised concerns among citizens, the hotel industry, and government authorities. Serious injuries and even deaths have occurred as a result of these incidents.

In response, the decree has laid out specific measures for tourist accommodations, regulations on the sale and promotion of alcoholic beverages, as well as sanctions and other actions to address and prevent dangerous or disruptive behavior.

The recently updated Responsible Tourism Decree has set aside 16 million euros (approximately $17.2 million) from a sustainable tourism tax to support affected areas in funding projects that promote responsible tourism.

In April, residents of Spain's Canary Islands took to the streets to express their concerns about overtourism, pointing fingers at tourists for driving up housing costs and causing harm to the environment. The number of tourists has surged from 11.5 million per year to 16 million in the last ten years.

Editor's P/S:

The Balearic Islands' new regulations on public drinking and party boats are a necessary step to address the negative impacts of excessive tourism. The islands have long been popular destinations for young travelers and celebrities, but the excessive drinking and disruptive behavior have tarnished their reputation and created a nightlife culture that is not conducive to the local residents. The new measures aim to promote responsible tourism and reduce the negative effects of excessive drinking, while still allowing visitors to enjoy the islands' nightlife.

The updated regulations are a more lenient approach compared to the 2020 decree targeting "excess tourism," which was criticized for being detrimental to the islands' primary industry. The new measures recognize that tourism contributes over 45% to the community's GDP and aim to strike a balance between promoting responsible tourism and addressing the negative impacts of excessive drinking. The allocation of 16 million euros from a sustainable tourism tax to support affected areas in funding projects that promote responsible tourism is a positive step towards addressing the concerns of both residents and tourists.