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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Monica Charsley & Julie Delahaye & Ketsuda Phoutinane

Thomas Cook issues warning as Spain's new 'six drinks a day' rule kicks in for tourists

Thomas Cook has warned Brits of a new law limiting drinking in the Balearic Islands, including travel hotspots like Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca.

A 'six drinks a day' rule is imposed on people on all-inclusive holidays in a crackdown on excessive drinking as one Spanish official called the behaviour of some British tourists 'embarrassing'.

The law caps the drinks given on these package trips to three at lunch and three at dinner, which means no free drinks by the pool, the Mirror reports.

It comes as the new tourism law ended free bars, happy hour and drinks deals on the islands, as well banning the construction of new hotels for four years.

The British Embassy in Spain has also warned UK travellers they could be fined up to £85,000 for attending 'illegal parties' in Ibiza and Majorca after a number of serious accidents.

An email from Thomas Cook reminded travellers with holidays booked about the new alcohol limit.

Hand of a man reaching for a glass of beer from a swimming pool (Getty Images/fStop)

As a result of the new rule, an email sent out to customers booked on these trips said: "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 new restriction on All Inclusive."

Other rules will also include an end to pub crawls, the sale of alcohol in shops between 9.30pm and 8am, while in some areas it won't be possible to advertise party boats, the Daily Star reports.

Speaking about the new drinks limit earlier this year, 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.

Tourists could be hit with a £85,000 fine for attending illegal parties (Getty Images)

"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."

It comes as British travellers have been warned about a major fine for attending 'illegal parties' in Ibiza and Majorca.

Authorities say gatherings at villas and private homes have been increasing 'exponentially' and they may not meet safety standards.

The British Embassy in Spain drew attention to a number of serious accidents in a statement.

New regulations will come into force this summer to put a stop to illegal parties, which have increased 'exponentially' in the last two years.

The Balearics are currently open to fully vaccinated Brits for holidays.

This means having received a full vaccine course. To be considered fully vaccinated, this needs to have been completed within 270 days of travel, otherwise you'll also need a booster jab.

Those who can show proof of recovery from Covid within the last six months will also be able to visit.

Unvaccinated children aged 12-17 can also visit Spain provided they have proof of a negative Covid test. This needs to be a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Spain, as antigen tests will not be accepted.

While the rules are correct at the time of writing, travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic so always check the Foreign Office's latest Spain travel advice before booking or going on a trip.

What do you think of the six drinks a day rule? Let us know in the comments below.

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