A holiday company has warned travellers heading on all-inclusive holidays about new rules that will see their booze consumption limited. The Government of the Balearic Islands is cracking down on rowdy holidaymakers who drink too much on their breaks.
Famously, all-inclusive deals mean the drinks - and food - flow freely, but new rules will reduce visitors to just six drinks per day. Those drinks will only be able to be taken during lunch and dinner, offering a mere three drinks per meal, reports the Star.
The controversial rule has been enforced in Magaluf, Majorca, and some areas of Ibiza, causing upset to Brits who were expecting to drink by the pool. Thomas Cook alerted its customers during updates to their package holidays.
The email 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 (three each).
"Please be aware that Magalluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is new restriction on All Inclusive."
The Balearic government has also put a stop to pub crawls, the sale of alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am, and advertising party boats in some areas.
Balearic Islands Tourism minister Iago Negueruela previously 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. We will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors - we will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses.”
Thomas Cook told the Daily Star: "In certain areas of the Balearics there are some limitations on alcohol consumption. We want to ensure our customers are aware when they book."
And travel association ABTA said it “strongly supports initiatives that improve the health and safety of holidaymakers, as well as the welfare of local communities”.
The spokesman added: “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.”
