Spanish Balearic Islands take brave steps to reduce alcohol related harm on the islands.

In 2019, in cooperation with Balearic Islands government Eurocare has organised two events addressing the issue of alcohol related problems in tourist setting. One event took place in Palma and other in Brussels.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the steps taken by the Balearic Islands government to limit the harm caused by alcohol.

The laws passed restrict sales and promotion of alcohol in certain touristic areas. The restrictions will apply to three areas with a reputation for excess: San Antoni on the island of Ibiza and El Arenal and Magaluf. These resorts (especially Magaluf) over the years have gained not a very flattering reputation for heavy drinking among young people, particularly the UK.

Provisions of the news laws are:
- Bans for pub crawls
- Bans for two for one drink offers
- Ban on sale of alcohol in shops between 9:30pm and 8am
- Restrictions in some areas of promotion of party boats.

Establishments that break the new rules risk fines of up to 600,000 EUR and the threat of being closed down for three years.

The new law also takes aim at the so-called "balconing" craze, the term given to holidaymakers who decide to jump into a swimming pool from a hotel or apartment balcony, a stunt which claims several lives every year.

It bans "balconing" across the entire archipelago and requires hotels to evict anyone who does it. Those caught jumping from balconies face fines of up to 60,000 EUR.

This law is aimed and limiting the excess, protecting lives and encouraging change in the tourism model of Balearic Islands.

The four islands which make up the Balearics -- Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, received nearly fourteen million tourists in 2018. The archipelago is Spain's second most visited region.