Controls are one thing, stopping drinking from the back of cars is another. | Ajuntament de Calvia

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The problem of alcohol abuse by young people in Magalluf is neither solely a problem during the summer nor due to the influx of young holidaymakers, predominantly from the UK.

According to the latest report and figures from Calvia town hall and police, during the winter months, when there are hardly any young holidaymakers in the resort, the problem of illegal street drinking and parties in public places, i.e "botellon", is far worse.

For example, just last month the police responded to 127 incidents compared to just 18 during the peak summer month of August, and the security forces are having to run a winter-long campaign to keep a lid on the problem. The black spot appears to be Sa Porrassa road in Magalluf.

According to the police, it is an area where very few bars are open during the winter and is very popular with young people, many of them minors, wishing to drink out of the boot of their cars and party long into the night.

Last spring, the town hall prohibited drinking alcohol in public places. Other problem areas are Ses Palmeres and calle Joaquin Sorolla where the pubs and clubs close at 4am but the partying continues outside in the street and nearby public spaces leading to antisocial behaviour and regular fights.

Last February, 130 incidents were reported compared to just eleven in May.