Unlike the one brought about by threats to "lynch" Algerians, the operation for dealing with thousands of Spanish students has been planned for some weeks and will adopt measures introduced last summer. From today, when the first of the students on end-of-course holidays arrive, the beach will be closed off from 9pm apart from one entrance and exit point. This will be controlled. Checks will be made for alcohol and the carrying of glass or knives. The beach closure is specifically designed to prevent the 'botellón' - mass drinking party - and to keep noise to the minimum.
The operation will last around four weeks. While the beach may be controlled, there are the streets, for which there is Llucmajor ordinance against street drinking. There is also the tourism of excesses decree, under which the consumption of alcohol on the streets is supposedly banned.
Extra police are being drafted into Arenal, Llucmajor town hall hopeful that the operation "will significantly reduce the number of incidents" caused in the past. But it is an operation required at a time when the security forces are being stretched because of recent events in Arenal.
In the meantime, it is an operation that is necessary to combat what is the total antithesis of so-called responsible tourism and which, moreover, is organised on a grand scale.
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I realise times have changed but a word about the Spanish students who have been coming here for decades for their end of studies break , just like the pensioners on their cheap sunny holidays. I owned a disco in Arenal in the mid 80's and we started our season each year with the students . We did not make money but it was a good way to get up and running, staff training etc. Four students, one large bottle of coke and four straws was not unusual but I was surprised and pleased at how well behaved they were, right through till the small hours at 4 or 5 in the morning when we closed. After the students came the Brits and we knew what we were in for. Smashed toilet doors and toilets, vomit everywhere, fights and general unpleasant behaviour. Same every year. I have no idea how the students conduct themselves nowadays but I suspect regarding the Brits not a lot has changed.
Not to worry. This is what Sr Escarrer, from Melia Hotels, the original mass tourism instigator, defines as “high quality” tourists, compared to the rubbish that came between the 60’s and the 90’s.
Sounds like a Dream Environment Fun for the Whole Family ! Stay Home ! 🏠