Police target public boozing in El Copo

Now young revellers complain nowhere to go

BUSINESS owners in Torre del Mar claim to be “satisfied” that the town hall has “finally” fulfilled the promise to do away with street drinking in El Copo nightlife area.

The agreement to do away with the groups of up to 2,000 youths who were gathering in the area at weekends to drink (known in Spain as ‘botellon’) was signed with the previous governing team last year.

Police patrolled the area last weekend to hand out fines of up to €300 and confiscate alcohol, something which was seen as a positive sign not only by businesses but also by residents who complain of the noise and dirt left behind by the partying youths.

Torre del Mar has one of the best offers of bars and discos along the coast, but while the businesses are happy with the measures which have been taken, local youths and those who come from neighbouring towns to take part in the ‘botellon’ complain that the bars and discos charge too much for drinks and that most of them are unemployed.

They said that there were no other leisure options for youths in the town, unlike other areas, and claim that they are being “excluded” from the town, and forced to go to the car park of El Ingenio shopping centre so they don’t annoy anyone.

Local residents also complain that alcohol is being sold by itinerant salesman whose products do not pass any kind of quality control.

By Jennifer Leighfield
jennifer@euroweeklynews.com