Country-wide protests, water-gun fights, short-term rental bans – Spain’s complicated battle with mass tourism shows no signs of stopping. A new measure in the Balearic islands hopes to reign in tourists’ unruly behavior.
The new “6-drink rule” is the newest legislation aimed at curbing over tourism. But will the new rule be successful at controlling overly-drunken tourists? Only time will tell.
What is the 6-Drink Rule?
The 6-drink rule is meant to limit alcohol consumption at certain all-inclusive resorts. Guests can be served a maximum of 6 drinks a day. The consumption time is constricted, too; three in the morning and three in the evening, coinciding with meal times.
The rule also bans alcohol-related activities, like happy hour, pub crawls, advertising party boats, shops selling alcohol between 9:30 pm and 8:00 am, and two-for-one drink sales.
Why Was the Rule Introduced?
This rule was first introduced in 2020 but just beefed up in 2024. The Balearic Islands have long been considered one of Europe’s ‘cheap party destinations,’ but locals are hoping to change that.
Authorities argue that the rule is necessary to protect residents and the environment from the negative impacts of mass tourism. The excessive drinking culture has led to public disturbances, safety concerns, and even groups of tourists leaping from balconies. Mallorca resident Maria Amengual spoke to Diario de Ibiza, saying, “Mass tourism means having to go to the emergency room for a serious ailment and being told that ambulances are busy attending to several drugged or drunk people.”
Where Does the Rule Apply?
For now, this rule only applies to all-inclusive resorts in Magaluf, Playa de Palma, El Arnel in Mallorca, and San Antonio in Ibiza. But if the measure proves to be successful, it’ll likely expand across Spain.
If you want to still have a ‘euro summer’ in Spain with no alcohol restrictions, the 6-drink rule doesn’t apply to all-inclusive resorts in the Canary Islands or mainland Spain.
Not So “All-Inclusive’
Before buying into sensationalist headlines, the rule doesn’t actually _ban _more than 6 drinks. It just limits what can be served in an all-inclusive resort package.
Those wanting more than 6 drinks in a day can just purchase the extra drinks. The rule seeks to discourage drunken behavior rather than all-out banning it.
New Fines for Public Drinking
That said, being a nuisance in public is banned. If public drinking disrupts peace, tourists could be fined between €750 and €1,500. In the most severe cases, tourists could be handed a €3,000 fine.
Marga Prohens, the President of the Balearic Islands, recently declared that “talking about limits is the best way to defend tourism. The Balearic Islands have reached their limit.”
New Rule Draws Mixed Reactions
The new rule has sparked mixed reactions among tourists. Some feel outraged, believing that the restrictions dampen their vacation experience, especially at all-inclusive resorts where unlimited drinks were once part of the appeal. Others, however, support the measure, recognizing the need to balance tourism with respect for local communities.
Jason Walker, a British tourist who recently visited an all-inclusive in Mallorca, complained about the lack of transparency surrounding the new rule, saying, “We only found out when we checked in and only budgeted so much because we thought all our food and drink would be covered.”
Spain’s Over Tourism Concerns
2024 is shaping up to be Spain’s largest year for tourism yet. The country saw a whopping 95 million visitors in 2024, breaking last year’s record of 85.1 million. While the Baeleric islands have only one million residents, they see 18 million tourists each year.
While the tourist numbers are boosting Spain’s tourism sector, locals have to deal with a housing crisis, overcrowded transport, and a cost of living that’s far outpacing average wages.
Europe is Sick of Rowdy Tourists
Spain isn’t alone in its efforts to rein in unruly tourists. Popular European destinations are introducing measures to combat the negative impacts of overtourism. Countries across Europe are starting to say “enough” to the loud, obnoxious, chronically drunk tourists.
Barcelona, Lisbon, Florence, and Amsterdam have all introduced legislation to limit or ban Airbnb. In Tenerife, authorities have increased fines for public drinking and rowdy behavior. Amsterdam launched a ‘Stay Away’ campaign, specifically targeting young drunk British men.
‘Tourist Go Home’
As tourism numbers soar, so too does anti-tourism sentiment among locals. Graffiti bearing the phrase “Tourist Go Home” has become a common sight in cities like Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Protests against mass tourism have swept across the country, with residents demanding that their communities be protected from the onslaught of visitors.
Tensions have escalated to the point where some locals have taken matters into their own hands. Earlier this summer, protestors sprayed tourists with water guns while chanting “Tourist go home.”
Limiting Mass Tourism
Spain’s efforts to control tourism extend beyond the 6-drink rule. Seville’s mayor announced plans to close the iconic Plaza de España to the public and charge visitors a fee. In Barcelona, local authorities successfully lobbied to have a bus route removed from smartphone apps to discourage overcrowding at the popular Park Güell.
“This phenomenon must be managed,” stated tourism minister Jordi Hereu. “We are not going to ban people from coming to Spain, but we can put limits on the tourist offer.”
Will This Rule Work?
The big question remains: will the 6-drink rule actually work? It’s too early to tell for certain, but the measure has certainly sparked conversation. While the rule may reduce instances of public drunkenness, it’s unlikely to completely stop determined tourists from overdrinking.
While it may not be a perfect solution, it’s a step towards more sustainable tourism practices. One thing is for sure: the days of unchecked, alcohol-fueled vacations in Spain may be coming to an end.
