Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Brits in Benidorm Could Face £600 Fine for Buying ‘Illegal’ Drinks on the Beach British tourists planning a holiday in Benidorm have been warned about a potential costly mistake that could ruin their trip. The popular Spanish resort, known for its vibrant nightlife and sunny beaches, attracts millions of visitors from the UK and Europe every year. However, a local travel expert has highlighted a scam that could leave unsuspecting tourists with a hefty fine of up to £600.
FrankTheStagMan, a TikTok user who specializes in organizing stag and hen parties in Benidorm, has issued a stark warning through a viral video. The footage shows an unauthorized drinks seller approaching sunbathers on the beach, offering a tray full of cocktails. These drinks, often made in unhygienic conditions, are not only illegal to sell but also pose a significant health risk.
Frank explained that the cocktails are typically prepared on pavements, with lemons being cut directly on the ground before being added to the drinks. Despite the risk, the drinks are sold quickly to unaware tourists. His colleague added that the drinks are made with substandard ingredients, which could be harmful to those who consume them.
The situation becomes even more serious when considering the legal implications. According to Frank, consuming alcohol on the beach in Benidorm is illegal, and tourists caught doing so can be slapped with a fine of €700, approximately £600. This fine applies to each individual drink, meaning that purchasing multiple drinks could result in a significant financial penalty.
Frank expressed his shock at how easily these vendors manage to sell their drinks, even with signs warning tourists against such purchases. He explained that if local authorities catch tourists drinking these cocktails, they could be fined on the spot, leading to a potentially ruined holiday. Frank’s followers were quick to express their thoughts on the situation.
Many were shocked by the lack of action from local authorities to prevent these illegal sales. One commenter questioned why the authorities don’t do more to stop these vendors, comparing them to “lucky lucky” men who sell counterfeit goods. Another criticized the system, suggesting that it unfairly targets tourists while allowing the sellers to operate unchecked.
Despite the warnings, some users defended the beach vendors, claiming that they have been drinking these cocktails for years without any issues. One user commented that the drinks were “absolutely beautiful and refreshing,” and that they had never experienced any negative effects from consuming them. Drinking alcohol on the beach is just one of several activities that are banned in Benidorm, with significant fines attached.
Smoking on the beach, for instance, can result in a fine of €2,000 (around £1,690). Other prohibited activities include having sex on the beach, which carries a £635 fine, and sleeping, camping, or swimming on the beach between midnight and 7 am, which could cost up to €1,200 (£1,000). Tourists planning a trip to Benidorm should be aware of these strict rules and potential fines.
While the beachside cocktails might seem like a refreshing treat on a hot day, they could end up costing you much more than you bargained for. Always be cautious of what you purchase on the beach, and make sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your holiday..
