With the peak tourist season just beginning in the Balearic Islands, new regulations ban alcohol consumption in certain areas of Mallorca and Ibiza to prevent the negative effects of overtourism.
With Majorca in eighth position in the ranking of the most sought-after destinations by the French published by the Kayak comparator, the Balearic Islands are among the most popular directions to spend the holidays. Every year, some 16 million visitors choose to unfold their towel on one of the magnificent beaches of Menorca, Ibiza or Majorca.
A density of tourist population which is sometimes not without consequences on the tranquility of the inhabitants when there are excesses. In this case, we are talking about excess partying, and therefore alcohol consumption which can lead to behavior that goes beyond the limit of reason. In 2020, the sale of alcohol was also banned in certain areas of Palma, Magaluf and Llucmajor in Majorca as well as in Sant Antoni de Portmany in Ibiza. The Governor has decided to go further by now prohibiting consumption on public roads in areas which were already subject to a sales ban.
According to an official announcement from the authorities, offenders face a fine starting at 500 euros and going up to 1,500 euros. Of course, terraces and places authorized to serve alcohol are not affected.
The Balearic Islands have decided not to stop there and are also targeting boats which organize parties, and on board which alcohol is logically served. They will no longer have the right to approach within one nautical mile of the coast (1850 km).
This new regulatory provision has already entered into force. Future vacationers will therefore be subject to it during the summer season.
However, the approach is not only punitive. No less than 16 million euros have been released to improve tourist areas. Moreover, “a commission on 'promoting good citizenship in tourist areas' would be expanded to include representatives from countries whose tourists are most associated with problems – the UK and Central Europe“, Luis Pomar, press officer at the Balearic Islands tourism council, told the BBC.