The Paseo Marítimo in Palma used to have an unwanted reputation as a location for street-drinking parties. The 'botellón' was combated, but the residents association points to its return and blames six or seven mini-markets for the sale of alcohol after 10pm, which is when this sale is meant to cease.
The association hired private detectives. They verified that there were sales of alcohol after 10pm. The detectives have receipts clearly showing the time of the purchase. This illicit activity, it is argued, is encouraging groups of people to gather along the Paseo Marítimo in order to consume alcohol. There is also evidence of sales to under-18s.
Antonio Ruiz, the president of the residents association says: "They gather, they drink, they eat, they leave a mess." Takeaway kebabs are the favourite food.
He fears a return to the problems that occurred in the past, long before the renovation of the Paseo, when hundreds of young people would gather for drinking parties, causing serious problems for residents.
The association is demanding the enforcement of regulations to stop the sale of alcohol outside the permitted hours. A leniency is "encouraging consumption in public spaces, with the consequent increase in noise, fights, and litter", a situation that directly affects people's peace and quiet and the image of the area. There is a recognition, however, that even a 10pm halt to sales can never be wholly effective, "as they stock up before then".
There is said to be an issue as to jurisdiction, Ruiz pointing out that it is one for the Balearic Ports Authority and not Palma Town Hall.