Hen and stag parties ‘crackdown’ on Costa Del Sol – with noise monitors planned for holiday lets

THE COSTA del Sol is set to crackdown on “scandalous” hen and stag parties.

Local officials are even considering installing ‘noise monitors’ in tourist apartments.

It is estimated that around 300,000 hen and stag parties are celebrated in Spain every year, but a number of Spanish tourist hotspots like Madrid and Salamanca have banned them following nuisance complaints.

Malaga is now leading the way after hotel owners and local residents said they are fed-up with “Magaluf-style drunken tourism” in the historic city.

Locals are particularly frustrated by large groups dressing up in costumes and carrying phallic symbols.

The number of hen and stag parties in the area has soared over the last few months following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Local mayor, Francisco de la Torre has confirmed the city council is
fighting against “party tourism” and pledged: “We are not going to
tolerate an uncontrolled city.”

And he added: “Whoever comes has to comply with the rules of
coexistence of the city.”

He has promised tough action, including sound controls and heavy fines for breaches.

Carlos Carrera, president of the Residents’ Association of the
Historic Centre, said: “Malaga has all the necessary characteristics to
attract this Magaluf-type drunken tourism…

“This type of tourism is very harmful, benefits very few and drives away quality tourism.”

The association says hen and stag parties “are armed with megaphones and sound-reproducing equipment” and were spoiling “the jewel in the crown of the city”.

Mr. Carrera welcomed the measure of noise meters in tourist apartments but questioned who would monitor them.

The Spanish islands of Ibiza and Majorca recently introduced a six-drink limit at some all-inclusive resorts to prevent unruly drunken behaviour.

There will also be a ban on shops selling alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am, and a crackdown on advertising which encourages the consumption of alcohol.