Tourists to be fined for wearing bikinis

Authorities in Majorca have vowed to fine tourists who leave the beach dressed only in bikinis or speedos this summer.

As part of a Good Citizen Plan, Palma City Council has announced that it will issue fines of up to £500 ($A998) to holidaymakers who take to the streets dressed in nothing but beachwear.

While the fines may come as a shock to tourists, restaurant and bar owners are apparently fed up with having to serve underdressed clientele.

Residents say that although the council's threat is one they have heard before, a crackdown may actually take place this year. Anna Nicholas, a blogger for the Telegraph said:

"This time it seems there's less sabre-rattling and a more earnest intention to get serious with offenders of all kinds – holidaymakers, expats and locals alike.

"Visitors breezing around the streets in beachwear away from seaside resorts will be given instant fines and advised to cover up especially before entering bars and restaurants.

"When it comes to partying, especially in resorts close to Palma such as Arenal and Can Pastilla, there will be no tolerance shown to groups of young tourists that regularly congregate on Playa de Palma beach concocting noxious alcoholic brews that they consume through straws from large plastic buckets," she added.

"Steep fines will be issued by local police as a deterrent while illegal vendors will also be penalised."

Following two years of discussions, the civic laws are expected to be approved and introduced at the end of May.