Majorca and Ibiza crack down on drunk tourism with strict bans

The Balearic authorities are taking concrete steps to combat drunk tourists. Since May 10, alcohol consumption on the main streets of Majorca and Ibiza has been banned. The ban also includes party boats selling alcohol. They are not allowed to approach within about 1.2 miles of alcohol-free zones.

The Spanish authorities decided to fight against "destructive and dangerous behaviours" among tourists. This is due to the excess of incidents related to tourists and alcohol reported by the residents of Ibiza and Majorca.

On Friday, May 10, a ban on alcohol consumption within the party streets of both islands was introduced—penalties for non-compliance range from fines of £430 to £1,300.

This is not the end of restrictions. The authorities of the Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea also said a firm no to so-called "party boats," on which alcohol could be purchased and consumed. The new law prohibits such vessels from staying within about 1.2 miles of the coast of the zones with a ban on alcohol consumption.

The original law intended to combat excessive alcohol consumption on the islands was introduced as early as 2020. At that time, the authorities called it "combating anti-social behaviours." After four years, it turned out that the law was too lenient, and tourists ignored it.

The new decree will be in force in the Balearics at least until December 2027. The authorities are convinced that it will be possible to "educate" tourists during this time, and further restrictions will not be necessary.

The mayor of Majorca's capital, Palma, said that one of the main goals of the newly introduced law is "to correct uncivil attitudes". He emphasized that it applies equally to vacationers and residents.

The new law banning the nighttime sale of alcohol in retail establishments and the presence of party boats was introduced in Llucmajor, Palma, and Calvia on Majorca and Sant Antoni on Ibiza.