Drinking Laws in Spain Explained
These restrictions were brought in by the Balearic Island Government to crack down on drunk and disorderly behaviour. But what does this mean for your holiday? Here’s everything you need to know about Spain’s six drink rule.
Affected areas under Spain’s Six-Drink Rule
First of all, it’s important to note that not all of the resorts in the Balearic Islands are impacted by these new changes to Spain’s drinking laws. Here are the areas that are affected for at least the next three years...
- Playa de Palma, Majorca
- S'Arenal (El Arenal), Majorca
- Magaluf, Majorca
- West End of San Antonio, Ibiza
But it’s not all doom and gloom, the laid-back resorts of Alcudia, Santa Ponsa, Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and the entire island of Menorca will not be following suit and remain free of any changes. Chin-chin!
What’s the limit on alcoholic drinks at an All Inclusive?
The biggie is the change to All Inclusive packages. If you’ve opted to go all-in at a hotel in the affected areas listed above, alcoholic drinks will be capped to six per person, per day. With the allowance of three during lunch and a further three during your evening meal. Yup, that means no more cheeky poolside tipples.
What other rule changes have been made?
Alongside the limitations on drinks, any advertising to encourage alcohol consumption such as open bars and offers will also be prohibited. And if you’re wanting to purchase a few cans or a bottle of wine from an off-license, be prepared to do so during the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30 pm before they close.
If you envisioned yourself bar hopping along Magaluf’s famous strip, think again! Any participation in organised pub crawls is now banned. You can, however, still attend a party boat excursion but they’ll no longer be advertised in the affected areas. Nor will they allow pick-ups and drop-offs in those resorts.
Keep in mind that drinking alcohol in some public places has been banned since May 2024. We don't want you facing a fine for a sneaky sip in the street! Don't worry though, bar terraces are open as usual, so you can still enjoy that alfresco cerveza.
Understanding drinking laws in Spain is essential if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your holiday.
What are the fines for breaking Spain drinking laws?
If you’re wondering what the fallout is should you break these rules, minor offences for individuals will see fines between 500 to 6,000 euros. Whereas establishments that are caught breaking the rules will see a whopping sanction of 60,001 to 600,000 euros - ouch!
Let's be honest, there’s so much more to the Balearic Islands than partying until the early hours. Whether you’re exploring Palma’s awe-inspiring Gothic Roman cathedral, catching the sunset on top of the high cliffs of Cap de Formentor or getting lost among the cobbles of Ibiza Old Town, there are endless things to do.
*Please be aware that these rules are correct at the time of posting and may change. To keep up to date with any further changes, visit the FCDO website to check the latest updates on drinking laws in Spain.
About the author
As a frequent jetsetter, Danielle is an expert in all things travel. From foodie trips in Rome to hunting down the best beaches in the Balearics and Christmas shopping in New York. She’s also the mum of a very cute but mischievous toddler, meaning she has some great family holiday hacks too. Check out all her travel tips & tricks!