Magaluf is to continue its crackdown on rowdy tourism in the Majorcan resort after revealing that bars, clubs and party boats have been fined more than £1.5 million.
The local council says its zero approach is paying dividends in cash terms, and is helping to shift the reputation of the Spanish resort.
This summer more than 30 sanctions were slapped on bars, discos and party boats under the "excess tourism" laws, with fines reaching £120,000. Eight venues were caught selling booze outside of permitted hours, while two were fined for the "denigration of the female body" through billboards or advertising.
Tourism leaders argue the attempts to change Magaluf's reputation has started to filter through to the Brits, the main market for the resort.
Of the sanctions imposed, 12 were classified as "very serious", said the mayor of Calvià, Alfonso Rodríguez Badal.
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The mayor said these tough fines, together with temporary or permanent closure of the premises, had served to "reduce uncivil attitudes this year and to project outwards a better image of the destination."
The police, council and Balearic government all agree that the stance against rowdy behaviour was working and should continue.
"We have made it clear that we do not want that type of tourism," said the president of Mallorca's council, Catalina Cladera.
Magaluf is one of the party hotspots where tourists can also be fined for "unwelcome" activities such as drinking or being rowdy in the streets, as well as balconing.
The Balearic government - which covers Magaluf - started its efforts to crack down on bad behaviour at the beginning of this year.
They announced that a new 'six-drinks-a-day' rule for those staying at all inclusive resorts would be enforced by local officials.
The rule means holidaymakers will be forced to pay extra if they want more than three free alcoholic drinks per meal.
Jason Walker, 42, who took an all-inclusive trip to Majorca to celebrate his cousin’s birthday in April was left “angry” and “upset” by the rules.
He paid £240 for his three-night trip with travel operator loveholidays, which he assumed had entitled him to as much food and drink as he wanted.
But when the security officer arrived on the beautiful Mediterranean island, he was stunned to find out that there were limits on his free booze consumption.
Jason is urging holidaymakers jetting off to similar Spanish resorts to check their small print or face incurring hefty drinks costs without warning.
He said: “We only found out when we checked in and we only budgeted so much because thought all our food and drink would be covered.
“We were very upset and angry. We’ve come as a family of eight to celebrate my cousin’s 40th and while we have still had a good time, we have incurred extra costs as a result.”
