TWO Britons are thought to have become the first victims of Benidorm’s strict beach drinking ban.
The bronzed couple appear to have fallen foul of the new law as they shared a bottle of rosé on the beach at a Spanish resort.
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Police can be seen talking to the couple enjoying a bottle of rosé on the beach Credit: Jam Press Vid/@benidorm_grumet
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Witnesses said the men ‘didn’t do anything wrong, they were just relaxing with a bottle of wine’Credit: Jam Press Vid/@benidorm_grumet
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Tourists can now be fined up to 750 euros if caught drinking on the sand Credit: Jam Press Vid/@benidorm_grumet
The video shows the stunned men being interviewed by local police as they sit in lounge chairs between a small folding table and sip in the sun.
Benidorm authorities recently introduced fines of up to £650 for people caught drinking on the beach.
British tourists Darren (46) and his friend Graham (36) from Middlesbrough recorded the conflict on camera.
Darren said: “The two men weren’t doing anything wrong, they were just relaxing with a bottle of wine
“This is the first time I’ve seen the police move people off the beach for drinking.
“It gets really strict there, the police don’t mess around and search people every night.
“Really suppressing a lot of things.
“Rules are rules, but these two didn’t do anything wrong, they just had a drink in peace.”
It is believed that the two men – believed to be British – were not fined but were simply chased away and moved on.
Do you know British people who have been punished? Contact The Sun at [email protected].
The city has imposed strict restrictions on the sale of alcohol – and places where it can be consumed are limited.
Benidorm’s booze ban is among other penalties for actions such as smoking on the beach – which will cost you £1,700 – or using soap or shampoo while showering on the sand – which will see you fined £560.
The fines are part of a wider crackdown on problem tourists across Spain.
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In an effort to crack down on tourism, the Balearic Islands, which host millions of British tourists each year, have also introduced similar bans at some resorts.
Since the beginning of May, tourists have been unable to get drinks between 9.30pm and 8am in parts of Majorca and Ibiza.
There is a “total ban on the sale of alcohol” in popular tourist centers such as Palma de Mallorca, Magaluf, Sant Antoni on Ibiza and Llucmajor.
Local authorities in the Balearic Islands have confirmed that the restrictions will remain in place until 31 December 2027.
Bars and restaurants in the area will also have to adhere to strict restrictions, requiring them to close from 9.30pm to 8am.
There are also restrictions on organized drinking in common areas.
The move comes as southern Europe faces pressure from locals to tackle over-tourism.
Protests across Tenerife and Majorca have called for a clampdown on the number of tourists being released.
Other Spanish penalties
AUTHORITIES in Majorca are cracking down on tourists with new bans on street drinking and graffiti.
Any tourist who breaks the new rules could be fined up to £1,300.
The fine can be increased up to £2,600, in case the reasons for the offense are more serious.
Fines for graffiti, vandalism and loud sloganeering have also been increased to £2,600.
If minors are found to have committed graffiti vandalism, their parents will be held responsible – and will be forced to pay the fine.
Flooding the streets with banners, posters and advertising brochures is now prohibited,
Destroying listed buildings, monuments and other important public areas would be considered a serious offense – and could attract fines of up to £2,600.
It is thought that you will be fined €750 (around £635) for drinking on the beach
Palma de Mallorca Mayor Jaime Martínez said the laws would help them “correct the uncultured attitudes” often displayed by tourists in his city.
He explained that those breaking the rules could face fines of up to £2,600.
Initial fines start at a staggering £1,300, but double for more serious offences.
Fines for graffiti, vandalism and loud slogans total a whopping £2,600.
This even applies to parents of minor children who commit these offenses, which include littering the streets with advertisements and posters.
And it’s not just booze that could get you into trouble – the authorities have their eye on antisocial behavior more broadly.
Damage to listed buildings and other valued monuments could leave you £2,600 out of pocket.
For example, in Benidorm, being caught driving a scooter, writing graffiti or being naked in non-nudity areas can result in a hefty fine, especially if you are found to be disturbing the peace on public roads.
Local newspaper Murcia Today explained: “Benidorm has issued a blanket ban on people entering its beaches or swimming between midnight and 7am.”
It continued: “Visitors are also prohibited from sleeping on the sand during those hours, and flouters could be fined between €750 and €1,200.”
They also touched on the “umbrella wars” in Mallorca, which refer to tourists claiming certain sunbathing spots without showing up.
Last summer, Benidorm council said those violations would initially be dismissed, but repeat offenders could be fined €150.
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It is understood that the men were not fined, but were simply chased away and moved on. Credits: Jam Press Vid/@benidorm_grumet
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Brits have long enjoyed a boozy holiday in BenidormCredit: Alamy
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Fed-up locals across Spain are calling for a reduction in tourismCredit: AP
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