October 27 200
The party is over for tourists who visit Barcelona, where a "Happy Hour" ban is now in effect.
USA Today reported on October 15 that Catalonia, a popular tourist region that includes Barcelona, will forbid bars from running drink specials.
This means no more two-for-one drinks at certain hours, no unlimited drinks at a flat fee, and no ladies night specials.
The United Kingdom Press Association said that the new rule is part of a regional health bill that hopes to combat the binge drinking problem in the city. Violators will face fines of up to $9,000 or might even be forced to close their doors.
According to a story by Barcelona Reporter, the Public Health Act was put in place because of the millions of euros the Spanish health service spends as a result of over-indulgence in alcohol. The bill is specifically aimed at combating excessive drinking among young people, including tourists who frequent Barcelona for pre-Wedding parties.
UKPA reported that Spanish Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez "described the measure as positive and said similar measures will be considered in a new national health bill that is being prepared."