British tourists risk fines up to 500 euros for improper behaviors in one of Spain’s most visited islands, where new tight rules intend to wage excesses in popular bathing areas such as Magaluf and Santa Ponsa, according to the British newspaper Express.
Local authorities in Calvià, in Majorca, recently installed several panels with numbers and Spanish warnings on the busiest streets, alerting visitors to the need to respect the public space. The campaign, with the motto #havefunwithrespectespecially for those who travel for night fun, but ignores the boundaries of civility.
Punishable behaviors include alcohol consumption on the public road, which can cost up to 500 euros, and acts like screaming, fighting or disturbing others that give rise to fines of 400 euros. Also partial nudity off the beach or dirty to the streets are on the list of infractions, with fines ranging from 200 to 400 euros.
Rigid rules in tourist zones
The posters were placed along Punta Ballena Street in Magaluf and at Ramon Montcada in Santa Ponsa, two of the most sought after zones by British tourists. The initiative arises in a context of growing tension between local residents and mass tourism, especially due to the impact on the environment and housing.
According to Liverpool EchoThese sanctions apply specifically to Calvià, but serve as a warning to all who travel to other Spanish destinations, where there are also similar restrictions, especially regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places.
Bikinis off the beach? Only with clothes on top
The British Foreign Ministry (FCDO) also warns of rules that many are unaware of: in some areas of Spain it is forbidden to circulate on the street in a bikini or bath shorts. “Being on a naked trunk is also illegal in certain areas,” says FCDO, adding that hotels can expel guests for hazardous behaviors on the balconies.
These guidelines are part of a wider effort to reduce incidents with tourists in resorts known for night parties. Authorities want to ensure that visitors take advantage of their destination, but without disrespecting residents or public space.
Drones are also under eye
Surveillance is not limited to behavior on the streets. Spain also reinforced control over drones use after a recent incident when a tourist saw his equipment seized for flying over a crowd without permission. The State Air Safety Agency (AESA) recalls that all flights with drones in urban areas or agglomerations require training, registration, insurance and prior authorization.
Fines in this type of infraction can go from 60 euros to 225 thousand euros, depending on the severity of the violation. According to the British, and as with alcohol consumption and body exposure, the Spanish authorities are applying a zero tolerance policy to those who disrespect local standards.
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