The 'Botellon' continues in Benidorm

After tripling the police presence to tackle alcohol intake on the beach, not only to tackle the usual anti social problems associated with this illegal practice of mostly underage street drinking, but because of the enormous complications for cleaning when it takes place on sand, it seems that it has now the botellon has simply moved back to the streets.

Thousands of people were drinking in the streets of Benidorm, scattered around town, on the Paseo de Levante, and even on the beach itself.

Some youth groups clustered around the trunks of their cars, or on any street in the centre to drink in groups, others took advantage of poorly lit corners and porches, and all were unanimous in saying they were not willing to stop doing botellon as they felt it was their right to drink, and could not afford to go to legal bars. (plus many were under age).

Bar workers also commented that since the new law that apply to smoking have come into force, the entrance to their premises is buzzing with people drinking out of plastic cups provided by the own establishments, to keep the smokers loyal, and that despite the efforts of staff to encourage the use of show their establishments bins, the areas have been turned into “a mess”.

The problems of cleaning  up after drinking in Benidorm have simply shifted from sand to asphalt.

By Paul Deed