Brits in Majorca could be fined up to €600 (£518) for buying from illegal traders on the streets. Many tourists remain unaware of the new rules which came into place earlier this summer and are at risk of hefty fines.
Unlicensed street vendors sell a range of cheap sunglasses, hats and counterfeit branded watches across the island. However, British tourists face fines of between €85 and €600 for purchasing the goods. Meanwhile, the vendors themselves face steeper penalties of between €750 and €1,500 if caught.
As reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin, recent interviews revealed that many tourists are unaware of the law which was introduced on May 26. The beach promenade in Majorca has become busy with vendors who approach tourists for business.
Tourist Marie Herzberger said: “We don’t usually buy from street vendors, but yesterday we were a bit tipsy and bought sunglasses.”
Meanwhile, four young tourists had bought vapes, sunglasses and an adhesive rubber finger. One of them admitted: “I didn’t know that was illegal.”
Local officials brought in the new regulations in a bid to inform people of the risks of purchasing products from unauthorised vendors. They said the illegal trade harms legal establishments and businesses.
British tourists also face a €500 (£436) fine if they misbehave in Majorca this summer. The heftiest fine, €500 (£435), is for drinking alcohol in the street, while “shouting, fighting or bothering people” can see individuals slapped with a €400 (£348) penalty, as can nudity or partial nudity away from the beach.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.”
