Can I drink alcohol in the street (botellón)?
Generally, no. Drinking alcohol in public (the so-called «botellón») is banned in most towns by their coexistence by-laws, and in some cases can also be sanctioned under the Public Safety Law ('Ley Mordaza'). Fines usually run EUR 100 to 600 by council, and some regions have specific laws against street drinking, especially for minors. Selling and supplying alcohol to under-18s is banned across Spain. Drinking on licensed terraces and premises is, of course, legal.
📋 The rules
- Botellón banned by municipal by-laws in most cities
- Can also be sanctioned under the 'Ley Mordaza'
- Usual fines: EUR 100 to 600 (varies by town)
- Several regions have their own laws
- Selling and supplying alcohol to minors: banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Licensed terraces and premises: drinking allowed
- Authorised festivals and events with designated zones
- Some zones or dates may have municipal permits
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Doing a botellón where it's banned brings an administrative fine (usually EUR 100 to 600, by by-law). Drunkenness with public disorder can be sanctioned under the 'Ley Mordaza'. Selling alcohol to minors is heavily sanctioned for the business. Driving above the limit (0.25 mg/l in breath, less for new and professional drivers) is a serious offence or a crime, with a fine and lost points.
📎 Official sources
- BOE · Organic Law 4/2015 (Public Safety) →
- Administración · Drinking alcohol in public →
- Ministry of Health · Alcohol and minors →
❓ Frequently asked
Is drinking in the street banned in Spain?
In most towns yes: coexistence by-laws ban the botellón and drinking alcohol in public, with fines usually of EUR 100 to 600. Some regions also have their own laws.
What's the fine for a botellón?
It depends on the council, but administrative fines usually run between EUR 100 and 600. In some cases, if there's public disorder, the Public Safety Law may also apply.
Can I drink on a terrace?
Yes. Drinking alcohol on licensed terraces and premises is legal. The ban concerns drinking in public outside those establishments, not bars and restaurants that are authorised.
Can alcohol be sold to minors?
No. Selling and supplying alcoholic drinks to under-18s is banned across Spain and heavily sanctioned. Businesses must check age in case of doubt.
What's the drink-driving limit?
The general limit is 0.25 mg/l in breath (0.5 g/l in blood), and lower for new and professional drivers (0.15 mg/l). Exceeding it is a serious offence or, at high levels, a crime with a fine and lost points.
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