Groups of Bulgarians and Indians have reportedly clashed in Majorca in a violent struggle to dominate the illegal sale of alcohol. Drunken tourists forced authorities on the popular Balearic island to ban shops selling booze between 9.30pm and 8am in certain areas. Street drinking is also banned in those parts of Majorca.
But an illicit trade in alcohol sales against the island’s rules sparked a fierce confrontation this week as rival groups of Bulgarians and Indians brawled over who controlled it.
Police in Arenal stepped in to break up the fight, which according to Majorca Daily Bulletin left some of the Indian men with “slight” injuries.
Moments later as police were leaving the scene, officers heard shouts on a nearby street. They rushed to the street where a gang of five Bulgarians were attacking a couple of Indian nationals who were said to be covered in blood.
Despite trying to flee, the culprits were arrested and taken to a local police station, according to local reports. The two Indian men were reportedly treated by paramedics.
Tourists found flouting the ban face fines, with three resorts in Majorca where the rules apply. These are Llucmajor, Palma and Magaluf. The same measures apply to San Antonio in Ibiza as well.
The only exception to the street drinking rule is bar and restaurant terraces as well as other areas where it has been officially authorised.
These rules were introduced in May 2024 when it was revealed those caught breaking them faced fines up to £2,580 (3,000 euros) for offences deemed to be the most serious.
Happy hours, pub crawls and two-for-one drink offers had already been banned in 2020. The decree which began on May 11 last year is set to continue until New Year’s Eve, 2027.
The 2020 ban was meant to last for five years, but those measures have been extended to 2027.
Britain’s Foreign Office has already warned Brits about the consequences of breaking the rules.
Its travel advice warning lists banned activities, including open bars, buying alcohol from vending machines and organising pub crawls and boat party trips.