BRITISH holidaymakers have been warned of increased fines in Spain if they are caught drinking in the street as part of a crackdown on uncivil behaviour.
Barcelona city hall chiefs have raised the fine for street boozing to a maximum of £520.
GettyDrinking in the streets could cost you a pretty penny[/caption]
GettyThose looking for a good night out should be aware of the consequences[/caption]
The sanction for going to the toilet where you shouldn’t has jumped from £170 to a whopping £260.
The fines for graffitiing public buildings has also gone up – from £260 to £430.
The new penalties came into force last week following a council announcement a fortnight ago.
Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Battle said fines were being increased to stamp out the sensation of “impunity.”
He added: “Our priority is to bring order to everything that happens in public spaces.
“Following the COVID pandemic, public spaces are being used more intensively and this has had consequences we need to deal with.
“The objectives of our maintenance plans revolve around guaranteeing civility in the city by increasing the financial sanctions for uncivil practices.”
Barcelona brought its new fines regime into force as another Spanish council warned it would hit locals and holidaymakers in their pocket if they bought items off unlicensed street sellers.
Town hall chiefs in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca announced an information campaign about its fines of £172 for people purchasing goods from so-called “looky looky” men.
A spokesman said it was felt important issues relating to demand as well as supply should be targeted.
He added: “Part of this campaign is about informing citizens, and especially tourists, who may not be aware of the fines.”
The latest crackdown comes as Brits heading to Spain were warned of a simple mistake which could land them with a £170 fine.
Cops are said to be keeping their eyes peeled for tourists who lack one thing in particular while behind the wheel – and it’s not what you’d think.
Brits are being warned to not strip off in the heat, as driving topless could see them slapped with a fine.
Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that while being shirtless isn’t illegal, Spanish law bans anything that impacts safe driving.