Mojacar; ‘botellon’ capital of Almeria

AS well as enforcing noise levels, Mojacar Town Hall has other plans to make coexistence more peaceful in the town.

To increase citizen safety, police presence at weekends has been increased so routine checks of people and vehicles can be carried out, as well as to prevent people gathering in the street to drink.

Despite the Junta de Andalucia law against street gatherings to drink alcohol, known as ‘Botellon’ in Spanish, coming into effect in December 2006, many youths continue to do so, and especially in the summer, Mojacar and Aguadulce in Roquetas de Mar have become two of the favourite spots.

Local residents complain that there are small groups almost every day, but at the weekends, and despite the threat of fines of up to €600, hundreds of youths gather in both towns, some of them just for a quiet drink and a chat without the expense of going into a bar, but others, shouting, fighting, playing music, drinking, smoking, littering and soiling the streets, much to the disgust and annoyance of other people.

Despite the attempts of bars and nightclubs to get the youths back inside, the prices at which they offer the drinks can’t beat those at the local supermarkets for a whole bottle, plus, the smoking ban has encouraged many people to stay outside.

The Local Police do what they can, and also have the power to fine shops which sell alcohol after 10pm up to €60,000.

In the case of Mojacar, families with children and older couples are being put off visiting the town because of the behaviour of the youths at the ‘botellon’. Residents complain that the town has become the ideal destination for youths who spend very little and cause a lot of disturbance, and they demand that something be done to prevent the town from getting an even worse reputation.