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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Katy Hallam & Ketsuda Phoutinane & Sophie Christian

What Spain's new six drink rule means in crackdown on holidays to pub crawls

Holidaymakers on some Spanish islands will be under a strict drinking limit as part of a measure to curb excessive drinking.

The new rule restricts the number of drinks given as part of all-inclusive holidays in Magaluf, Mallorca, Palma and in some areas of Ibiza.

It means British travellers on such holidays will only be allowed to have six drinks as part of their package each day - three at lunch and three with their evening meal.

The legislation was passed in 2020 to address the overconsumption of alcohol in tourist and party hotspots, Wales Online reports.

It comes as the Balearic Government has scrapped pub crawls, banned advertising party boats in some areas, and limited the time alcohol can be sold.

What is the six drink rule in Spain?

Some Spanish islands are enforcing drinking limits on all-inclusive holidays (Getty Images)

Spanish local authorities introduced the ban in January where it is in effect in some areas of the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Magaluf and Palma.

The new law limits alcoholic drinks as part of all-inclusive holidays to six per day in a move to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

It goes as far to limit the drinks to three at lunch and three at dinner.

Thomas Cook has confirmed the rule and issued a warning to travellers, BirminghamLive reports.

The holiday company's email to customers said: "Please be advised that a decree has been issued by the Balearic Government on a new restriction for All Inclusive meal option."

"There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner (3 each).

"Please be aware that Magalluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is a new restriction on All Inclusive."

It comes as officials in Majorca and Ibiza launched a crackdown on drunken behaviour.

The law was brought in during 2020 but travel companies have echoed the rules as thousands of Brits book holidays to the Spanish islands.

Thomas Cook told the Daily Star : "In certain areas of the Balearics there are some limitations on alcohol consumption. We want to ensure our customers are aware when they book."

What about pub crawls and other drinking rules in Spain?

The Spanish booze ban came into effect in January (SWNS)

The Balearic Government has also axed pub crawls, the sale of alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am, and the advertisement of party boats in some areas.

Balearic Islands Tourism minister Iago Negueruela said: "We want British tourists. We don't want this type of tourism. British tourism is essential for our islands.

"We share with the British government the view that some images of British tourists are embarrassing.

"We want to put a stop to bad behaviour. From April to May this year, we will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors. We will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses."

Travel association ABTA has backed the drinks limit, saying it "strongly supports" the new rules.

A spokesman said: "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."

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