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Lose the booze! THE use of excessive alcohol at busy tourist destinations Mallorca and Ibiza has been restricted by the Government in the latest crackdown on uncivil tourism. The Regional Government of the Balearic Islands has passed a new law meaning it could be the end of 2-4-1 offers, happy hour and open bars. To stop these practices, advertising and promotions in tourist areas will now be prohibited. All political parties have voted in favour (with the exception of Vox) of the European Government bringing an end to tourism excesses and drunkenness. Balconing (the activity of climbing from one balcony to another or jumping into swimming pools) has also been banned. Anyone carrying out these activities can legally be ejected from the area in which their actions are committed. It will also be forbidden to sell alcohol in commercial stores at night (they will have to close between 9.30pm and 8.00am).
Restrictions
These establishments could be closed as a consequence of not adhering to the new legislation. Fines of between €1,000 and €600,000 may also be implemented for those ignoring the new regulations. This summer will see the new law put into place, although holidays and offers containing alcohol deals booked before the new restrictions will be honoured. It is believed that the new laws could be in place for five years and will apply to four areas of Mallorca and Ibiza, Playa de Palma, Arenal, Magaluf and the West End of Sant Antoni de Portmany. The Balearics receive more than 13 million tourists per year, so the changes are expected to have an international impact. Jorge Campos, a spokesman for VOX in the regional parliament, said that despite not voting in favour of the law, his party shared the same goal of getting rid off booze-based tourism. Meanwhile the Councillor of Economic Model, Tourism and Work, Lago Negueruela, described the new law as ‘pioneering’ and said it ‘is needed.’
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Charity case Hundreds of British-run charity shops are facing fines after ignoring tax laws EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
HUNDREDS of British-run charity shops are ignoring new Spanish laws that require them to charge value added tax (IVA) on second-hand goods. A tax clampdown has seen a number already slammed with big fines, with many more now in the firing line, the Olive Press can reveal. One well known shop on the Costa Blanca is now facing fines of ‘up to €24,000’ after an inspection revealed they charged no IVA on sales throughout 2018. The Torrevieja charity’s accountant, who asked not UNDER PRESSURE: Charity shops face hefty Government fines to be named, said shops are being viewed as any other high-street business following law changes to has two shops in Torrevieja, has also been hit with a He urged all charity shops to make double sure they crackdown on fraudulent behaviour. €5,000 fine after an inspection revealed no IVA was are not liable to fines. “The government’s view is that it is not fair that a paid on second-hand items in 2017. Meanwhile, in Mallorca, a spokesperson from the legitimate business is charging IVA on sales while “It’s completely unfair,” the president, who asked to Cancer Support Group charity in Sant Agusti said: next door a charity shop can cut down prices,” the remain nameless to protect the charity’s humanitar- “It’s nonsense, people have donated these items and accountant told the Olive Press this week. ian work, told the Olive Press. have paid tax on them. “There are a lot of expats who need to make them- “Our charity steps in because the government is fail- “By making charities pay IVA they will have to inselves aware that this is not a clampdown but mere- ing to care for its citizens, and now we have to pay crease the price. ly the government doing its job properly.” them for it? “Paperwork will become such a hassle and they’ll The accountant said he was fighting Hacienda over “Factoring 21% IVA into existing prices will heav- probably have to hire someone to deal with that, inthe money demanded from his client as the client ily affect the work we do and mean we reach fewer creasing their expenses.” ‘was not aware’ of the laws. people in need.” Susan Weeding, who operates four charity shops for He pointed out that back home in the UK, char- The president added his two charity shops were her Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales, said ity shops enjoy zero-rated VAT on sales ofUntitled-1.pdf donated some1 ‘of 16/06/2017 the very few’15:36 British-run enterprises which she ‘might as well give up’ if she starts having to pay goods. It comes as another British charity, which are now adding the tax. IVA to the government. “The September storms already left the Vega Baja region with no forage crops and we’re now in debt just to keep our 121 horses, ponies and donkeys alive,” she said. “You have to bear in mind that most of our rescues C come at the request of police and councils directly – sometimes from as far as Murcia and Granada. M “We’re not allowed to re-home them as they become evidence in court cases, so why should we be hit by Y the government for doing our best?” CM
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