The resort town of Magaluf is trying to pull its reputation up by new regulations against anti-social behavior, such as drinking in the street, bar crawls and even jumping off balconies into swimming pools.
The measures came into effect today, Tuesday, just before the bulk of tourists arrive. Outdoor drinking will be illegal from 10pm to 8am, alcohol cannot be sold between midnight and 8am.
Tourists found naked in the street or urinating publicly could be fined from €750 to €3,000.
The Majorcan town earned itself the nickname “Shagaluf” after years of hosting young tourists keen on a binge. The end point was reached last year, however, when one of Northern Ireland’s finest teenage envoys was filmed performing sex acts on 24 men during a bar crawl.
Now bar crawls may be only with a company rep and accredited security staff along, with reps being required to have first aid training.
Moreover, applications for authorisation are required and made at least seven days in advance. Participants are limited to 20 people and companies are limited to one crawl per night.
Increased CCTV coverage and more police will be on the Punta Ballena strip during the high season where as many as 30,000 young tourists congregate.
It is estimated 1 million Brits visit the region each year, bringing €800m to the local economy, leading some bar owners and travel agents to fear that business will dry up while others recognize that the situation had to improve. Others remain sceptical that the laws will be enforced.
Some young tourists on the day the new regulations began were defiant, saying they were willing to accept fines as they were determined to have a good time.
