Sun, sea and... partying - that's what the Balearic Islands represent for many tourists. An image that is not exactly to the taste of the region's government and its inhabitants. So don't expect to be able to enjoy the happy hours and open bars that have made Ibiza's reputation - they're simply not allowed in the Balearics!
A few years ago, tourists to the Balearic Islands (particularly those from the UK, Germany and Ireland) were often subject to drunken rampages. Behaviour under the influence of alcohol has shocked many tourists and locals alike, who can no longer bear to be subjected to the actions of drunken people in their daily lives.
Une plage des Baléares
- ©Pawel Kazmierczak /123RFAs a result, the island's image has been severely tarnished by the bad behaviour of holidaymakers, so much so that in 2020 the government simply banned happy hours, all-inclusive holidays and open bars.
This decree was devised by parliament to restore the region's reputation: the aim is to regulate excess in the islands' most festive spots, where alcohol is now restricted for holidaymakers. The Minister for Tourism, Iago Negueruela, says he wants to combat all practices that could damage the reputation of the Balearic Islands!
So be warned if you're planning a holiday on the Balearics in the near future: happy hours are banned on Mallorca and Ibiza, alcoholic cruises are not permitted, nor are machines selling alcohol, advertisements promoting it or open bars. Shops selling alcohol close between 9.30pm and 8am, and those breaking the law can be fined 600,000 euros or shut down for up to 3 years. Balconing, which involves jumping into the pool from one's balcony, is also punishable by law.
However, even the president of Mallorca's tourism board, Jose Tirado, finds the new rules slightly too strict, arguing that the initiative is over the top and inappropriate. Perhaps in the next few years we will see a reversal of the situation and a return to the old norm.
