British stags and hens have been warned that breaking tough new rules in a popular European party hotspot could leave them “skint”. Around six million Brits embark on a stag and hen weekend each year, according to the industry’s leading provider, Last Night of Freedom.
And many of those flock to Malaga for some fun in the sun before their friend ties-the-knot. However, officials have launched a major crackdown on rowdy behaviour in the resort – with a big focus on anybody carrying a rude prop.
Blow-up props such as dolls and other lewd items are being targeted in the southern Spanish city, and anybody caught carrying one facing a fine of up to £1,300. The rules have sparked a warning from Last Night of Freedom’s founder, Matt Mavir, who has urged Brits to check local laws before jetting off.
“Increasingly we are seeing the authorities on the continent taking a tougher stance against what is generally quite harmless behaviour, and an increase in local laws aimed at controlling groups on a night out,” said the businessman. “British groups heading to Spain should be incredibly cautious, and check that whatever they are planning to do to the stag or hen is above board and legal, as they could get a very nasty shock.
“What might make a policeman in the UK laugh, could end with them getting a fine that leaves them skint on what should otherwise be one of the best weekends of their lives. It certainly has the potential to ruin an otherwise brilliant stag or a hen weekend.”
According to the local council, “nudity and erotic items in public” – such as blow up dolls – will be prohibited in public. Those caught flouting the rules will be slapped with a £650 fine if they ignore an initial warning.
And that could double if the offender is with a child, or if it is committed in view of a school or playground. It is part of a tougher stance across the Costa Del Sol, taken amid an apparent rise in anti-social behaviour linked to the millions of Brits who visit each year.
