A PACKAGE holiday provider has responded after an East Lancashire man was left short-changed by his ‘all-inclusive’ Majorca holiday, which did not include unlimited alcoholic drinks.
Jason Walker, from Blackburn, purchased an all-inclusive holiday package to Palma, Majorca, with Love Holidays.
However, on arrival he was shocked to discover that he was only entitled to three free alcoholic drinks of beer and wine at lunch and dinner, due to a rule that was introduce by Spanish authorities back in 2020.
While this was specified in the small print of the package holiday deal, Jason thinks this needed to be made clearer.
He understands the new law - in place in certain parts of the Balearic Islands - is to curb excessive drinking, but thinks holiday providers should change the definition of their ‘all-inclusive holidays’ if this no longer includes unlimited alcoholic drinks.
Jason said: “I understand they are trying to stem alcohol abuse and rowdy behaviour but I think this has been done very sneakily – I was not made aware of it and didn’t know about the law.
“I have looked at the small print and the alcoholic drink rule is there, but I don’t think it should be sold as an all-inclusive inclusive holiday, it should be sold as half-board or something along those lines.
“If you are booking an all-inclusive holiday, I recommend that you look at the small print and see what is actually included and what’s not because the rules have changed.”
The Lancashire Telegraph reached out to Love Holidays for a comment.
We asked if they thought their definition of all-inclusive holidays were clear and they will be doing anything in the future to make them even clearer.
A spokesperson said: “We were sorry to hear that the customer was disappointed with their stay at [their hotel].
“We appreciate any and all feedback from our customers, and constantly review our processes to offer our customers the best experience possible.
“Unfortunately, on this occasion, the customer did not get in touch to raise the issue. As such, we have not had the opportunity to address the query with the customer.
“Regarding this specific booking, the details of the drinks offered were available to the customer on the hotel details page. In this case the hotel details specify:
- Selection of Spanish and international non-alcoholic drinks
- 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during lunch and dinner
“We would always urge customers to read the details of their hotel to ensure they are happy with their purchase.”
At the time of writing, (29 April) Love Holiday’s definition of an all-inclusive stay has not changed and there is still a three alcoholic drink limit during lunch and dinner.
The company's website still advertises all-inclusive trips to resorts in the Balearics despite the rule change, and for some hotels the deal does not make clear there is a drinks limit.
Jason said: “Again, it’s not all-inclusive then if limiting drinks was not clear on booking.
“I have made a complaint to both them and the hotel in question – but the hotel did say speak to who it was booked with.
“Extremely misleading.”
What are the Balearic Islands' new alcohol laws?
In 2020, the regional government of Spain’s Balearic Islands passed a series of laws as an attempt to limit anti-social behaviour and binge drinking.
As travel was restricted during the pandemic, many holidaymakers are only starting to feel the repercussions now as travel resumes.
Under the official new rules, a limit of three drinks at both dinner and lunch can be served to each guest but if they wantadditional drinks they will need to pay for them separately
Currently, these rules affect those travelling to Magaluf, Palma, and some other areas- of Majorca and in Ibiza.
They have also passed a law prohibiting the organisation and promotion of pub crawls and publicity promoting alcohol sales by means of “open bars” and “happy hours”.
It also prohibited the practice of jumping from hotel balconies into swimming pools — popularly known as balconing — throughout the Mediterranean islands.
The regulation bans alcohol-selling machines, and shops selling alcohol must close during certain hours.
The rules freezes new licences for so-called “party boats” and forbids them from taking on or offloading revellers in certain areas; the legislation envisages fines ranging from 6,000 euros (£5,100) to 600,000 euros (£510,000).
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