THE Balearic Government is set to introduce tough new laws against boozing holidaymakers in a bid to crack down on “trash tourism”.
There will be new fines for drunken behaviour, and any holidaymaker found “balconing” will be immediately thrown out of their hotel.
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A further clampdown on drinking in the streets of hotspots such as Magaluf and Sant Antoni will be introduced, with bars and clubs facing fines of thousands of pounds for flouting the rules.
They could also be closed down for three months under the new rules.
The Balearic Government is said to be ramping up their clamp down due to a fall in visitors following the collapse of the Thomas Cook group.
Tourism chiefs say they are not prepared to lose any more tourists because of the bad image locations such as Magaluf and Sant Antoni have gained over the years and say the “trash tourism” has to stop.
It is understood the new raft of rules will be finalised in January, in plenty of time for people to book for the 2020 season.
The Ministry of Tourism has been preparing a package of legal measures “for weeks” that aims to tackle the excesses of alcohol and the spin-off behaviour, particularly balconing.
Spanish newspaper Diario de Ibiza says the concept of bobbies on the beat, whereby British police have been drafted in to help in the summer season, will be vetoed.
Instead, there are plans to set up “field hospitals” in the middle of nightlife hotspots.
The new laws will focus on three areas known for trouble: Punta Ballena (Magaluf), Jamón Street (Playa de Palma), and Sant Antoni de Portmany (Ibiza).
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Police will be able to dish out heavy fines for breaches such as the uncontrolled sale of alcohol and its consumption in public spaces.
According to the paper: “Government sources speak of fines of tens of thousands of euros to establishments that serve alcoholic beverages outside hours, as well as the possibility of closures for up to three months in the middle of the high season.
“It is also intended to close the most controversial places and prohibit large alcohol intakes in the streets of Punta Ballena, Jamón and the town of Sant Antoni.”
The law will also force hotels where balconing takes place to “expel customers immediately”.
Sanctions will also be imposed on establishments that do not take decisive measures against tourists – usually young Britons – who throw themselves recklessly from the balconies of the rooms to the pool, risking death.
This summer, hotels Magaluf booted out 150 boozy tourists in just a month.
While three tourists were fined for balconing.
Brits have also been warned about “mafia” gangs that target drunk holidaymakers in Magaluf.
