Spain hotspot food ban with £630 fines in place in new crackdown
From this month anyone purchasing from unauthorised street vendors will face new laws - as well as a host of changes on electric scooters, nudity, and drinking
UK tourists in a holiday hotspot are being warned that will face fines of 750 euros (about £630) - for buying anything - including food and drink - from street vendors. Palma, the capital of the island of Mallorca, this month introduced the new laws which could see Brits hit with fines and possibly even arrest for an array of infractions this summer.
The ordinance covers a host of issues - vandalism, including graffiti, posters, leaflets, gambling and betting in public spaces, false begging and sexual demands, artistic performances, guided tours, littering, alcohol consumption in public, group gatherings, street vending, motorhomes, nudism, balconing as well as scooters.
One change is the regulation of electric scooters. Users will now have to be able to prove they have civil liability insurance (with a minimum coverage of €120,000) and wear an approved helmet.
Another law people are likely to fall foul of is a total ban on purchasing any item from unauthorised vendors in public spaces. This includes buying souvenirs, food and drink and fashion accessories such as sunglasses and watches, with the exception being in authorised markets.
Laws are being brought in partly after protests on the island against excessive tourism, along with people complaining about the behaviour of visitors.
A document detailing the measures explained they were to 'prevent inappropriate everyday actions' and 'address incivility in general'. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, said: 'When travelling abroad it's always worth reading up on local rules.
'These measures have been put in place to protect Palma's culture and economy and, in some cases, for public safety. Buying from unauthorised street vendors might seem like a harmless way to get a bargain but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses.
'Illegal street vendors may also offer counterfeit goods which again may not seem like a big problem to many, but fall foul of intellectual property rules and take money away from legitimate businesses. The message is clear - buy from reputable sellers or tourists could find themselves facing tough consequences.'
Graffiti, classified as a very serious offence, will carry a fine of up to 3,000 euros. Nudism, whether total or partial, will be punishable by a fine of up to 750 euros. This doesn't apply to 'designated areas' or, for example, to women who go topless on beaches. Drinking alcohol in groups ('botellón') is banned as is the use of drugs in public spaces.
The use of speakers without municipal authorisation; parkour; laser pointers; urinating and defecating in public will also see arrests. Balconing - moving from one balcony to another - will be subject to a fine of up to 1,500 euros. The police will support hotel establishments with the immediate expulsion of those who commit this offence.
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