Brits warned over simple mistake that could risk holidaymakers in Spain £500 fine this sum
Popular Spanish locations are subject to strict new rules that you could easily be caught out on.
Brits have been put on high alert about strict new rules that could hit them in the pocket on their holiday to Spain this year. Experts have warned that holidaymakers to popular tourist havens in the European country could risk being fined up to £500.
As tensions rise over loutish behaviour on the beaches, some Spanish resorts have introduced new fines for smoking, drinking and wearing their football shirts, warn travel insurance experts at One Sure Insurance.
Spanish authorities are now clamping down with fines for wearing unsuitable clothes as well as tightening alcohol regulations in some popular Spanish locations.
The UK Foreign Office has issued warnings to travellers asking them to adhere to foreign laws or risk penalties.
A spokesperson at One Sure insurance explains, “As the Euros kick off this month, we are seeing increasing numbers of British tourists head to their holiday destinations to enjoy matches in the sun.
“This has meant increasing bans on specific clothing items including football shirts and novelty wear to promote a more respectful environment.
“Majorca has seen multiple restaurants targeting clothes associated with drunken tourism.
“We’ve also seen that wearing just a bikini or being bare chested with swimming shorts away from the beach could land tourists fines of up to £500 in various locations.”
Alcohol consumption is being restricted by local laws in Majorca, Magaluf (Calvia), Playa de Palma, Ibiza and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany) in resort areas.
Happy hours with discounted drinks, open bars (such as all-you-can-drink deals), alcohol vending machines, self-service alcohol dispensers, pub-crawls, party boat trips, and off-licence alcohol sales between 9.30pm and 8.00am have been prohibited.
There are also multiple areas enforcing fines for smoking in public spaces such as beaches and restaurant terraces of up to €2,000 (approximately £1,700). Having an alcoholic drink on the beach can lead to a £650 fine and throwing cigarette butts or litter from a moving vehicle can land a fine of 4 points and 200 euros.
Holiday goers are also at risk of fines for dangerous behaviour on the balcony, where the Foreign Office has advised that hotels and other establishments are obliged to evict customers who behave dangerously on balconies.
Local marine wildlife conservation efforts have led to the introduction of a £560 fine for using soap or shampoo at the beach when rinsing off.
Experts at One Sure Insurance added, “We are urging all travellers to familiarise themselves with these regulations before departing to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.”
Britons have also been warned of a recent rule change in Spain that could see them fined as much as £8,000.
"Spain has recently announced that they will be issuing fines to British tourists if they don’t have proof of accommodation when travelling," explained Dom Aldworth, brand marketing coordinator at Slingo.
This rule applies to all non-EU members visiting Spain, not just British tourists.
