Turning things around

RESIDENTS and business owners fed up with excessive drinking are demanding an end to drunken tourism in Playa de Palma.

Biel Barcelo, President of the Arenal Neighbourhood Association, expressed his perspective saying that if drunken tourism were stopped, the other problems affecting the area would “dissolve.”  He added that there has been too much permissiveness which has been encouraged by the message that tourists shouldn’t be bothered. 

Barcelo, however, believes that the community shouldn’t be afraid of hurting the drunken tourists because better tourists will eventually come.

Mayor of Palma Jose Hila agreed with Barcelo and pointed out that this type of drinking tourism began many years ago and although it is now clear that it should change rather than stay the same, the Playa de Palma would not change in one summer.  

The mayor noted that the city has taken steps to help the situation by improving cleaning services, public safety and implementing the policy of an ongoing dialogue with residents.

Restaurateurs and residents are demanding strictness in the implementation of municipal ordinances. Mayor Hila pointed out that Local Police Officers have been informing tourists about the drinking ban in public areas.  He also added that hefty fines will be imposed.