THROWING SHADE
The sneaky rule set to catch Brits out on holiday in Spain – and cost you up to £119
Plus, two common restaurant mistakes that cost tourists more
SPANISH government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in one of the hottest provinces.
Holidaymakers need to watch out for a sneaky new rule to avoid being slapped with extra fees on their bills.
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Venues in the Junta de Andalucia can now set different price points for tables in the shade.
The province is known for its blistering weather with scorching temperatures recorded year-round.
The city of Cordoba set a record high temperature of 47.6C in 2021.
But tourists that wish to enjoy the views and still want to stay protected from the blazing sun will have to pay extra.
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One tourist was recently left fuming after she was told she would have to pay an additional fee of £8.50 for a table outside.
Brits will be disappointed to learn that Spanish establishments have legal rights to charge more for terrace sitting.
The visitors will be warned before ordering about extra costs for sitting outside - and they won't pay £8.50 explicitly to the venue.
Instead, the hidden costs would be added to raise the price of each dish on the menu if it will be served on the terrace.
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If eating out at least twice a day during a week-long holiday, some Brits might be expected to splurge an extra £119 on dining.
But the different pricing should be clearly advertised through menu, price list or any other form of publicity.
Brit tourists furious as hotel where ITV’s Benidorm filmed cracks down on sunbed-hoggers
The restaurants will still not be allowed to charge more for seats with better view.
Venues that break the regulations risk "reports and punishments", according to Ruben Sanchez, spokesperson for consumer association.
Mr Sanchez added that menu prices must be "complete" which means including VAT.
It is also required to "clearly and visibly" notify diners of the cost of any non-menu items.
That being said, it is insufficient to inform a customer about the rates verbally, and it might even be crime.
Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
The new regulations also prohibit charging customers for bottled water where tap water is available.
The new rules come amid a crackdown on tourists in a bid to protect the workers' rights in the important hospitality industry.
A number of popular tourist resorts across Spain are introducing new rules to curb the number of visitors.
And from April 10, San Sebastian is to limit the maximum number of people in guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and over-crowding.
The local council has warned tour guides that they face a fine of up to €1,500 if they are found flouting the rules.
Brit tourists have also been warned about a little-known holiday rule that could leave you with a hefty fine.
When soaking up the rays in Benidorm, holidaymakers have been told to follow a seven-hour beach rule to avoid being slapped with a penalty.
Tourists heading to Benidorm's beaches need to be aware of the time restrictions, and check their watches twice before going.
Swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am can cost beachgoers a whopping £1,000.
It's not rare for some establishments to take advantage of foreigners' ignorance as Brits fall victim to tourists traps and hidden charges.
Brits vacationing in Spain stand out as tourists thanks to this dead giveaway that they overlook.
In Spain, restaurants don't serve lunch at noon - and if they do, it's better to avoid them at all costs.
The reason behind that is because Spanish don't eat their second meal until 2.30pm to 4pm.
If an establishment is open earlier than that, it is probably a tourist trap that will overcharge you.
Tourists have also been told to stay away from any restaurants that serve paella for dinner as it is a dish normally served only at lunch.
Another sign of a tourist trap is photos of the food out front - walk away from any restaurant that displays their menu like that if you don't want to overpay.
Dining alone
Some holidaymakers have said they were turned away from restaurants because they weren't in a large group.
Anna, who lives in Barcelona, previously said she was told she "couldn't sit alone" on the terrace even if she paid extra.
And another local, Eudald, was turned away three times after being told the terrace was "only for groups".
Wearing football shirts
A number of restaurants in Majorca are cracking down on badly dressed tourists.
Many of them will no longer allow entry for anyone wearing a football shirt.
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This is part of the crackdown on drunken tourism.
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