Do Not Resist, Disobey Or Argue With The Police In Spain Or You Could Be Arrested

• Law Firm: Giambrone & Partners
• Subject Matter: Criminal Law, Public Order
• Author: Ms Gabriela Gonz'lez-Cremona Nogales
• Published date: 30 May 2023

As the holiday season gets underway a considerable number of British citizens will make their way to Spain to enjoy the sun and nightlife. There is an increasing desire by both residents and the police to rein in the unruly behaviour frequently exhibited by tourists under the influence of alcohol. Laws have been enacted In the Balearic Islands whereby alcohol can only be purchased when dining and there is a limitation on the number of drinks permitted to be bought and consumed to just three at lunchtime and three with dinner.

Also, in order to attempt to prevent of the consumption of alcoholic beverages by children and adolescents, another law was enacted to prohibit establishments from selling alcohol between the hours 10.00 p.m. and 9.00 a.m. the following day, if it is intended to be consumed off the premises instead of immediate consumption on the premises.

The experienced lawyers in Giambrone & Partners' criminal defence teams have considerable capability in advising clients that have been arrested in Spain. Our lawyers warn that tourists that visit Spain often have no knowledge of the laws that impact on behaviour in public, such as that alcohol may not be consumed in the street or on public transport.

Gabriela Gonzalez-Cremona, a senior associate in the Barcelona office, pointed out "there is no tolerance of alcohol induced bad behaviour and perpetrators are far more likely to be arrested for offences against authority or assault and resistance against the police when a drunken argument erupts." Gabriela further stated, "offences against authority figures such as the police - atentado contra la autoridad - outlined in the Spanish Penal Code (listed below) are considered to be serious offences and can attract a significant fine. In some cases, drunk people become violent, and fights take place in the street, bars, or nightclubs that can cause serious injuries, which will lead the person to jail."

In a recent altercation in Ibiza, reported in the Daily Mail, Jade Jagger, daughter of Sir Mick Jagger, and Anthony Hickson were evicted from a restaurant for insulting staff when they were not permitted to have any more alcohol. Mr. Hickson subsequently drunkenly pestered passers-by and staff in a near-by shop. When he returned to the restaurant his behaviour prompted the staff to call the police. Unfortunatley, Mr. Hickson continued to behave badly and when the police arrived and he was arrested. Ms. Jagger also added to the situation by insulting and...