Ibiza and Mallorca, two popular Balearic islands, have recently made headlines for their decision to prohibit the sale of alcohol products from 9:30 pm onwards.
This move is aimed at addressing the issue of "excessive tourism," as stated by the local authorities.
The new regulation was enacted on May 11th and is expected to remain in place until 2027.
Specifically, the ban applies to party areas in Palma and Magaluf in Mallorca and San Antonio in Ibiza. The only loop in this new law is that it does not apply to places such as clubs, restaurants, and bars.
The primary objective of this ban is to reduce disorderliness and excessive drinking in many popular tourist locations.
Thus, heavy fines will be imposed for those found breaking this law.
According to BBC reports, fines of up to €1,500 (£1,290) will be imposed for drinking outside the permitted areas.
This new law also applies to boat parties. Boat parties are prohibited from entering any affected area of one nautical mile. Water vessels will also be banned from picking up tourists at the affected locations.
The recent legislation is one of the significant developments of regulations enacted in 2020 to control "anti-social conduct."
Numerous enterprises in the impacted regions have expressed worries that the legislation could prompt tourists to relocate to neighboring areas.
In addition to enacting new regulations, the Balearic government is also working on boosting tourism by allocating €16 million to improve tourist spots in the area.
The Balearic government has been slowly introducing new laws regarding how tourists behave within their tour sites.
In March 2024, they announced that Brits could pay up to £8,000 if they travel to the Island without any booked accommodation. Also, popular airline Ryanair banned duty-free alcohol on flights from London to Ibiza.
Ryanair Bans Duty-Free Alcohol From London to Ibiza
Ryanair contributes to Ibiza's tourism revenue, with many tourists coming from London to the region.
However, they recently banned duty-free alcohol for travelers going through this route.
According to the airline, “any alcohol purchased in airport shops or elsewhere must be packed carefully in a suitable item of cabin baggage, which will be tagged at the gate and then placed in the aircraft hold free of charge.”
They also specified that there would be penalties for those who would want to evade this ban.
“If the alcohol is unsuitable for placing in the hold (e.g., a plastic bag), then customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided. Those who attempt to conceal alcohol will risk removal from their flight with no compensation or refund,” Ryanair added.