Britons traveling to Spain have been warned of possible fines due to the implementation of strict new rules while on holiday. Tourists heading to the popular European country could face fines of up to £500 for inappropriate behaviour, according to travel insurance experts at One Sure Insurance.
Against a backdrop of worrying behavior on their beaches, several Spanish towns have introduced penalties for activities such as smoking, drinking or even wearing football shirts. The push for greater regulation has also led to stricter restrictions on alcohol in some popular venues across Spain.
The UK Foreign Office has urged travelers to comply with all local laws while abroad to avoid fines and penalties. An expert from One Sure Insurance explained the increasingly strict measures. They said: “As the Euros get underway this month, we are seeing increasing numbers of British tourists heading to their holiday destinations to enjoy matches in the sun.”
The expert added: “This has meant increasing bans on specific clothing items, including football shirts and novelty clothing, to promote a more respectful environment,” the Express reports.
Significantly, Mallorca is cracking down on the type of clothing associated with disruptive tourism. The spokesperson warned: “We have also seen that wearing just a bikini or being topless and wearing swim shorts away from the beach could result in tourists being fined up to £500 in several locations.”
In the tourist areas of Mallorca, Magaluf (Calviá), Playa de Palma, Ibiza and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany), local legislation has restricted alcohol consumption. Happy hours offering cheap drinks, open bars (including all-you-can-drink arrangements), alcohol vending machines, self-service alcohol, pub crawls, party boat trips, as well as the sale of alcohol without license. between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Smoking in public areas such as beaches and restaurant terraces can lead to fines of up to €2,000 (approximately £1,700) in several regions. An alcoholic drink on the beach can lead to a fine of £650, while throwing a cigarette butt or rubbish from a moving vehicle can carry a fine of 4 points and 200 euros.
In addition, tourists could face penalties for reckless behavior on balconies, with the Foreign Office warning that establishments, including hotels, are allowed to evict customers who act dangerously on balconies. Local marine wildlife conservation measures have seen a £560 fine for using soap or shampoo on beaches while rinsing.
The experts at One Sure Insurance stated: “We urge all travelers to familiarize themselves with these regulations before they depart to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation experience.”
Britons should also be aware of a recent amendment to Spanish law which could result in fines of up to £8,000. “Spain recently announced that it will impose fines on British tourists if they do not present proof of accommodation when they travel,” explained Dom Aldworth, brand marketing coordinator at Slingo.
This rule applies to all non-EU members visiting Spain, not just British tourists.
