“Overtourism”: Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the streets of Ibiza is prohibited

The Spanish Balearic Islands are further cracking down on drinking in public and on party boats. This is part of modifications to a 2020 decree that addresses “excessive tourism”.

The new rules prohibit drinking on the streets of the main tourist areas on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, with the exception of terraces and other licensed areas. Fines can range from €500 to €1,500 (R$2,781 to R$8,345).

Party boats that sell alcoholic beverages on board will also be prohibited from being less than one nautical mile (about 1.8 km) from the areas included in the decree. Embarking or disembarking passengers will also be prohibited at some points.

Although the new measures aim to further reduce “disruptive behavior”, the government has softened the language in relation to the original 2020 decree, changing the expression “excessive tourism” to “responsible tourism”.

The update acknowledges that the original wording was contrary to the islands' main industry, noting that “tourism represents more than 45% of the community's GDP.”

The islands have long been nightlife hubs for young travelers and international celebrities.

The original 22-article decree, introduced in 2020, was formulated following reports about “uncivilized behavior in certain tourist areas” of Mallorca and Ibiza, largely attributed to alcohol consumption.

This behavior damaged the image of these areas and diminished the areas for residents.

“Year after year, news has emerged regarding the uncivilized behavior of young tourists, which has caused deep concern among other citizens, the hotel sector and the administrations involved”, highlights the decree, noting that there have been cases of serious injuries and even deaths.

The text pointed out measures for tourist accommodation, sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages, sanctions and other actions to curb dangerous or disruptive behavior.

The recently amended Decree on Responsible Tourism allocates 16 million euros (around R$89 million) from a tax on sustainable tourism to help affected areas finance projects to encourage responsible tourism.

In April, locals on Spain's Canary Islands mobilized in protest against overtourism, blaming visitors for charging them out of their homes and causing environmental damage as a result of an increase in tourist numbers of 11.5 million annually to 16 million over the past decade.