IRISH tourists could be whacked with a whopper €750 fine for urinating in the sea of a popular Costa del Sol holiday hotspot.
The Spanish seaside resort town of Marbella is cracking down on anti social behaviour – including public urination – in an effort to improve the quality of their famous white sandy beaches.
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Marbella city council approved a series of proposals in the end of May – with the urine fine soon grabbing the public’s attention.
The new proposals relate to any of the 25 stunning beaches in the municipality – which is a popular destination for Irish holidaymakers.
NEW FINE
The new fine of up to €750 more than doubles the previous maximum of €300 – which was put in place in the 2004 law. law.
The new fine of up to €750 more than doubles the previous maximum of €300 – which was put in place in the 2004 law.
The urination fine comes alongside other sanctions for playing loud music or playing “annoying” ball games.
The public urination fine is worded as a fine for those caught carrying out “physiological evacuations (bowl movements and urination) in the sea or in the beach.
As well as doubling on the 2004 limit, there is also an increased fine of up to €1,500 for anyone caught more than once in the space of a year.
However, the idea of a fine for peeing in the sea soon brought riducule and confusion from the locals.
Speaking with a Spanish TV show, Tiempo al tiempo, one man said: “Who’s going to find out? The jellyfish? “
PUBLIC CONFUSION
While another asked: “Are there going to be police officers on the lookout?”
While another asked: “Are there going to be police officers on the lookout?”
It has now been clarified that the fine will not be a sanction for peeing in open water but for those who pee into the sea from the shore or breakwaters.
A city council spokesperson told The Guardian: “The bylaw regulates possible antisocial infractions on the beach, just as any such acts are regulated in any public space such as on the city’s streets.”
Last month, Irish tourists were warned about two easy rule breaks that could cost you hundreds of euro in Spain.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued advice for anyone travelling to the holiday hotspots this year to avoid unintentionally breaking the law.
The Department of Foreign affairs list some advice on their website so you can brush up on local laws before you jet off.
RULE WARNING
They said: “Our travel advice helps you to make informed decisions when you’re planning a trip overseas and offers you an objective assessment of the risks you could face.
“Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.
“Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.”
They advised Irish tourists to be aware that consuming alcohol on some streets in Spain is illegal.
Any alcohol must be consumed within a licenced premises otherwise you could be slapped with a €600 fine.
In an attempt to crack down on excess drinking and anti social behaviour, locals in party hotspots such as Ibiza look set to limit drinks that can be bought in all inclusive resorts.
Wearing a bikini outside authorised areas could also get you in some serious trouble and land you with a €300 to €700 fine.
BIKINI BAN
In most areas of Spain you are only permitted to be topless or wearing a swimsuit or bikini while on the beach.
If you’re not covered up even if you’re heading to or from the beach you could be find hundreds, so make sure you have a dress or t-shirt to throw on.
Tourists may be shocked to discover that something as simple as washing your hair could set you back hundreds.
Using shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair at some communal showers at beaches could result in a fine of €750.
This is an attempt to protect marine life from harmful chemicals.
BALCONY DANGERS
You may also be whacked with a €2,000 fine if you’re caught smoking on some beaches in Spain, particularly in Barcelona.
If you are caught smoking outside the designated smoking areas you will be fined so make sure to stick to the marked areas.
The Department of Foreign affairs have also issued a huge warning over balconies to Irish holidaymakers.
The warning comes after many tragic deaths of Irish holidaymakers abroad following balcony accidents.
They said: “It is important to exercise caution when using hotel and apartment balconies, particularly if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“If you suffer a balcony fall while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may refuse to cover any resultant costs.”
