Brits travelling to Spain issued warning over all-inclusive drinking rules

OK guys, summer is soon approaching and I'm sure we're all buzzing to whack on our bikinis, lather ourselves in copious amounts of tanning oil and lounge out by the pool sipping on a never-ending stream of cocktails.

Well, you may want to think twice about that last holiday past-time as Brits travelling to Spain have been issued with a warning over all-inclusive drinking rules.

Gone are the days of getting liquored all day by the pool, at the beach, in the arcade, at the bar, wherever really - just because you’re on holiday!

Johnce / Getty Images

Now, limits will be applied to the booze on specific all-inclusive breaks across the Balearic Islands, according to the Local Government.

Thomas Cook previously told customers that a limit of six alcoholic drinks per person per day had previously been introduced and that they can only consume these beverages during mealtimes.

The rules apply to all holidaymakers in specific areas in the Balearic Islands, which include parts of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, and were explained in a letter to customers from the holiday-booking service.

The company wrote: "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).

Dulin / Getty Images

"Please be aware that in Magaluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is a new restriction on All-Inclusive."

The Government of Balearic Islands rolled out the alcohol rules to curb ‘embarrassing’ holidaymakers from spoiling holidays for themselves and others in the resort.

Previously, the 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. We will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors - we will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses."

And before you try to dodge the rules and go on your own bar crawl, the government has also put a ban on those and the sale of alcohol in shops from 9.30pm to 8am.

Jorg Greuel / Getty Images

Announcing the laws in 2020, a regional government spokesman said: "Efforts to promote the destination, to provide it with better quality through both public and private sector investments, and position it in an increasingly competitive and global market, have been affected recently by certain un-civic behaviour.

"Most of this type of behaviour is directly related to alcohol abuse in certain tourist areas of Majorca and Ibiza."

Speaking of the resurfaced rules, a representative of Thomas Cook told Tyla: "For the last few years the government in the Balearics has been keen to ensure its much-loved islands remain great holiday spots for everyone.

"It’s been balancing the mix of young people and families and wants to make sure that there is something for everyone. Some areas are being more restrictive with alcohol consumption and we want to make sure our customers are aware."

However, 'bars and nightclubs remain open and we can see the pent up demand for holidays there this summer with bookings up three-fold to Majorca and doubled to Ibiza'.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.