Thousands of Britons will travel to Spain this summer – and it is important to know the local rules before you arrive. Foreign, Federal and Development Offices (FCDOs) have issued advice to travelers heading to popular holiday destinations.
Rules include behaviour at beaches and local alcohol regulations. Brits face on-site fines to break some rules and need to be aware of what they should not do before traveling. You will be fined up to 600 euros (505 pounds) for drinking alcohol on streets in some parts of Spain. It is also illegal to drink alcohol in other public places such as the beach.
FCDO said: “It is illegal to drink alcohol on the streets of some parts of Spain. You will be fined on the ground. There is strict control over drinking and sexual activity in public places, including beaches.”
There are certain local methods in the popular Balearic Islands, such as Magaluff, Marolca, Playa de Palma, Mallorca and Ibiza. These laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in certain regions.
According to FCDO, this prohibits the sale of alcohol from happy hours, open bars, vending machines, self-service alcohol dispensers, and licenses from 9:30am to 8am. Tourists will be fined more if their public drinking disrupts the peace, engaging crowds or tormenting others.
Similar to the alcohol rules, British tourists are urged to be careful when swimming in Spanish waters. Around some Spanish islands there are strong undercurrents, hidden rocks and shallow depths.
British people recommend not diving into unknown waters or swimming on beaches where the river flows into the sea. Many beaches have flag systems, red flags, and should not enter the water.
If there are no flags, signs, or lifeguards, special care must be taken as the waves go further than expected and there is stronger conditioning. Some beaches may have jellyfish. In that case, you will need to follow local advice.
FCDO said: “Every year, people are drowned in the ocean and in the Spanish swimming pools. They always supervise the kids, whether they can swim or have a lifeguard.
“Be careful when swimming in the ocean. There may be strong undercurrents, especially on some beaches around the Spanish islands.”
