MAGALUF'S famous party strip has been closed after a weekend that saw Brits vomiting in the streets and jumping on cars following the easing of Spain's coronavirus lockdown.

Balearic Islands’ Tourism Minister Iago Negueruela announced that the infamous Punta Ballena would be shut down with immediate effect at a press conference today.

Officials had earlier said the "disgraceful" behaviour witnessed in recent days would not be acceptable at any time, but particularly not during a public health crisis.

Pictures from Magaluf showed clearly drunken tourists, none of them wearing masks or social distancing, slumped on public benches and clambering on cars.

The warnings come despite the fact that the two resorts, both known for their nightlife, remain relatively quiet following the lockdown and restrictions imposed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Authorities have launched a clampdown on bad behaviour, with large fines now being threatened for anyone found breaking any of the new rules.

The measures include bans on alcohol offers such as two-for-ones or happy hours, touting for customers, drinking in the street, drunken behaviour, pub crawls, and party boats.

According to island newspaper Ultimahora.es, the Balearic government has asked legal experts to investigate how the central party area in Malagaluf, known as Punta Ballena, and the equivalent area in Platja de Palma could be closed down.

The closure could also apply to any premises "where agglomerations have occurred that do not comply with all anti-COVID-19 protocols".

Minister of Tourism Iago Negueruela and Minister of Public Administration Isabel Castro said yesterday that "all options and possibilities are being evaluated, among which is the closure and the application of economic sanctions up to 600,000 euros".

The comments followed a meeting held with local hoteliers and unions.

"Many nightlife venues have breached all health protocols and this cannot be tolerated any more," said Negueruela.

"You cannot practice a type of tourism that does not comply with all the current regulations on excess and sanitation.

"We will do all the necessary actions so that this does not happen.

"The health security of our citizens is paramount as is the economic situation of our workers."

Castro added: "We cannot allow the efforts of all citizens to be jeopardised by the breaches of a few."

The Balearic government has also called on Spain's government to help reinforce security in tourist areas.

"We must increase the number of police officers that were activated every summer. They are more than necessary, " Castro said.

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