Many travellers to several Spanish resorts will have to watch their drinking after the rolling out of new rules. Travel agent Thomas Cook confirmed in a letter to holidaymakers that the number of drinks Brits will be entitled to as part of their all-inclusive package will be capped to six.
There are fresh restrictions on the times that tourists will be allowed to have their six drinks, reports Manchester Evening News. All-inclusive holidaymakers will only be permitted to have three free tipples at lunch and a further three with their evening meal.
The regulations affect those travelling to Magaluf, Mallorca and in some areas of Ibiza. Thomas Cook issued a warning to customers in an email updating them on package holidays.
Read more: Thomas Cook's warning over 6 drinks a day limit on all-inclusive holidays in Spain
It read: "Please be advised that a decree has been issued by the Balearic Government on a new restriction for All Inclusive meal option. There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner (3 each).
"Please be aware that Magalluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is a new restriction on All Inclusive." It comes as officials in Majorca and Ibiza launched a crackdown on drunken behaviour.
The law was introduced during 2020 but travel companies have echoed the rules as thousands of Brits book holidays to the Spanish islands. Thomas Cook told the Daily S tar : "In certain areas of the Balearics there are some limitations on alcohol consumption. We want to ensure our customers are aware when they book."
There has also been a crackdown on pub crawls, the sale of alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am, and advertising booze cruise party boats in some areas.
Balearic Islands Tourism minister Iago Negueruela said: “We want British tourists. We don't want this type of tourism. British tourism is essential for our islands. We share with the British government the view that some images of British tourists are embarrassing.
“We want to put a stop to bad behaviour. From April to May this year we will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors. We will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses.”
Travel association ABTA has backed the drinks limit, saying it "strongly supports" the new rules. A spokesman said: "ABTA will continue to engage with the Balearic Islands Government, ABTA Members and other parties, to encourage clear communication and exchange of information, in order to ensure holidaymakers travelling to hotels in the designated areas enjoy a positive customer experience."
