Local police in Palma have stepped up operations against the so-called "tardeo", the afternoon tapas/drinking phenomenon which, more often than not, appears to result in unacceptable behaviour because of the alcohol. Last Saturday, ten bars were inspected and nine received penalties. In all, eighteen fines were issued to bars and their clients.
The centre of the operation was Santa Catalina, and police say that eight bars in the district were found not to have been exhibiting a municipal activities' licence, while one owner refused to show the licence when the demand was made. Two other bars were fined for excessive occupation of the public way.
The police also acted against individuals, two being fined for consuming alcohol outside a bar where there was no terrace (in the Calle Sant Magi) and another was fined for drinking in the street and in front of four minors. In addition, there were fines for urinating in public, showing lack of respect to police officers and for drug-taking.
Around a month ago, the police launched "Operation Tardeo" in order to curb excesses by bars and individuals and the resultant street drinking "botellón". And on this outdoor drinking "party", there were twenty police reports related to a botellón in Cala Major at the weekend.
Santa Catalina is one of the areas that have been earmarked for special intervention by the police to tackle anti-social behaviour. From the end of this month, botellón street drinking will be liable to fines from 1,500 to 3,000 euros.