Ibiza bans alcohol sales after 9.30pm in San Antonio to tackle “excessive tourism”

A number of Balearic islands, including Ibiza and Mallorca, are set to band alcohol sales after 9.30pm to tackle “excessive tourism”.

According to DJ Mag, the new law took effect on May 11, where popular tourist destinations such as Ibiza’s San Antonio and Mallorca’s Magaluf will have new sanctions on alcohol purchase and consumption placed on them.

The ban on alcohol sales will reportedly take effect between 9:30pm and 8am in party hotspots, adding onto past legislation passed by the Balearic government four years ago. The ban, which was allegedly pushed by local authorities, will take place until at least December 2027.

If caught drinking outside of designated areas, people could face fines between €500-1,500 (£430-1290), the BBC adds. Drinkers will also apparently be reported to their respective embassies.

Party boats will also have strict rules enforced on their proximity to designated areas; they will be banned from sailing closer than one nautical mile to certain zones, as well as picking up or disembarking passengers within these areas. Alongside these laws, the Balearic government have apparently pledged an additional €16 million to improve tourist areas in the region.

According to Luis Pomar, press officer at the Balearic Islands Tourism Council, the new laws have been enforced to curb “anti-social behaviour.”

Speaking to the BBC, he also said he hoped the legislation would no longer be needed “in three to four years, if we instil in people how to behave”.

The Baleraic government have been introducing new laws in recent months surrounding their tourist destinations. In March, it was announced that travelling to the island without booked accomodation could cost Brits up to £8,000, whilst Ryanair has announced a ban on duty-free alcohol on flights from London to Ibiza.

Ryanair said that “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.”

“If the alcohol is unsuitable for placing in the hold (eg a plastic bag) then customers will be required to dispose of the alcohol in the bins provided,” they added. “Those who attempt to conceal alcohol will risk removal from their flight with no compensation or refund.”

Meanwhile, Uber announced it would begin operating in the island back in November last year.

In other news, a 21-year-old who “can’t afford a flight” to Ibiza will walk there from Manchester for charity.

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