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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Emma Nevin & Ketsuda Phoutinane

Important laws Spain holidaymakers need to know when shopping or drinking

Many British travellers are counting down the days to their Spanish holidays with summer just around the corner.

As sun cream and packing lists are readied, tourists have been tipped off about a few key rules in Spain.

There are still some Covid entry rules to follow even after Spain gave unvaccinated tourists permission to travel as of May 21 with some caveats.

But aside from sorting proof of vaccination, travellers have been urged not to be caught out without identification when using their debit or credit card, DublinLive reports.

In Spain, ID must be shown when using credit or debit cards as payment.

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has also warned tourists about Spain's strict alcohol and drug laws.

Everyone should carry their ID when using debit or credit cards in Spain (Getty Images)

Depending on the business, a driving licence or photocopy of your passport may suffice but you can be asked to show your original passport.

"Everyone in Spain, regardless of nationality, must show ID when using credit and debit cards," said the DFA website.

"You may be able to use a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport, but you may be asked to show your original passport."

It reminded holidaymakers that drinking alcohol in public places is forbidden in Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

The Department said: "Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland.

"Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is forbidden in Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. Failure to respect these laws may result in a fine."

Holidaymakers have also been warned that Spain "take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously."

The DFA's website says: "There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain.

"The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment.

"The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs."

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