With summer just around the corner, thousands of Irish holidaymakers will be jetting off to Spain.
A number of new rules have come into effect at the popular holiday destination as the government is cracking down on unruly tourists to maintain order in local communities. Sunseekers have been warned to pay careful attention to these guidelines so they don't get slapped with huge fines.
Here is a list of new rules that are now in place for tourists visiting Spain:
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Restaurants
Tourists are now required to provide a valid credit card number when making a reservation in Majorca after restaurant owners grew frustrated at the rising number of "no shows". The new policy was introduced by Majorca's restaurant association, Restauración CAEB, to protect restaurants from financial losses.
As if that wasn't enough, restaurants are also battling rival restaurants who maliciously book tables under false names to hinder competition, Mirror UK reports. Under the new policy, diners will be charged 20% of the average anticipated bill in the event of a no-show.
This initiative aims to curb the negative impact of last-minute cancellations and ensure a fair and sustainable dining experience for all.
Illegal parties
Partygoers who attend "unlicensed events" in Ibiza and Majorca could be hit with hefty penalties under new rules. The Balearic Islands are targeting clubbers and people who host illegal parties.
The police on Ibiza and Majorca now have the power to shut down unauthorised parties and issue fines of up to €300,000 on the spot for those caught organizing, marketing, advertising, or participating in parties held in protected natural areas or in close proximity to residential areas.
Noise
Tourists in Alicante could face fines ranging from €600 to a shocking €30,000 for violating anti-nuisance laws in a major crackdown on noise pollution. This includes the scraping of furniture on bar and restaurant terraces, speaking loudly within the confines of your home, and even playing music on beaches.
Additionally, police can disband rowdy boat parties if there is excessive noise and chaos in a move to crack down on what authorities refer to as "floating discos".
Smoking
Smoking was officially banned on all of Barcelona's beaches last year and now, a total of 28 beaches on the Balearic Islands have joined the movement. The smoking ban aims to enhance people's well-being and combat the pressing issue of cigarette butt litter tarnishing the sandy shores.
In Ibiza, sun-seekers can relish the refreshing experience of smoke-free beaches such as Playa de Santa Eulalia del Río and Playa de Talamanca. Menorca also embraces the movement with smoking bans in effect at Binissafúller and Platja Gran. Majorca adds its name to the list of smoke-free havens, with Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç, and Caló des Moro prohibiting smoking on their pristine shores.
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Participating beaches have four-meter banners declaring their smoke-free status, accompanied by QR codes providing additional information. While there are no fines imposed on those caught smoking anywhere but Barcelona, authorities are appealing to the public's sense of responsibility, encouraging voluntary compliance with the smoke-free regulations.
Resort dress codes
A total of 11 well-known restaurants affiliated with Palma Beach resorts in the Balearic Islands introduced dress codes prohibiting certain types of attire including football shirts, strapless vest tops, and swimsuits. The banned items encompass tank tops without straps, swimming trunks, swimsuits, and any accessories purchased from street vendors. Even football strips have been deemed unsuitable for entry.
Tourists have been advised to double check the dress codes of their selected restaurants and bars.
Drink limits
Alcohol consumption rules have seen a major change in some popular Balearic holiday hotspots. Tourists in places like Magaluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca, and Sant Antoni in Ibiza will be restricted to a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per day.
To ensure a balanced distribution, these beverages will be evenly allocated between lunch and dinner, allowing for three complimentary drinks per meal. Any additional alcoholic beverages beyond this limit will be subject to payment. These revised laws apply to resorts across islands including Ibiza and Majorca, as well as select hotels within the Balearic Islands.
Covid
Those travelling from Ireland are not required to be vaccinated to enter Spain but those arriving from China must present proof of a negative test result or full vaccination in a regulation that was reinstated in January due to concerns over rising infection rates in China.
In the event that you develop symptoms or test positive for Covid during your stay in Spain, self-isolation is not mandatory. However, it is advisable to inform individuals with whom you have had direct contact about your situation. It is also recommended that all visitors wear face masks, minimise social interactions, and avoid contact with individuals at higher risk, such as the elderly and pregnant individuals.
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