All-Inclusive Drink Limits: What You Need to Know about 6 Drink Policies
Picture yourself at a sunny pool bar, wristband flashing, ready for whatever drink you’re craving next. But as the bartender squints at your stack of empty glasses, a question pops up in your mind: are you being watched, counted, or – gasp – cut off? In the last few years, the rumor mill has churned non-stop, insisting that some all-inclusive resorts enforce a strict 6-drink-per-day policy. Some claim it’s a thing only in certain countries, others swear every bartender has their tick sheet. It’s confusing, sometimes a little worrying, and absolutely deserves a clear answer. So, does the 6 drink limit actually exist at all-inclusive resorts? Let’s pull the curtain back, with real-world info, surprising details, and stories straight from the hotels.
The Story Behind the Six-Drink Rule
The whole six-drinks-per-day debate didn’t start out of thin air. It kicked off in 2022, right as UK holidaymakers were dusting off their passports after Covid lockdowns. Out of nowhere, mainstream British news exploded with tales of Spanish authorities slapping new drink limits in the Balearic Islands – yes, that includes hot spots like Ibiza and Mallorca. These weren’t just rumors: the Balearic government started enforcing a new decree to battle rowdy, alcohol-fueled tourism. Suddenly, British travelers, used to round-the-clock cocktail availability, found their “all-inclusive” looking a little less... well, all-inclusive.
Here’s the fact: In Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, many all-inclusive deals now provide only six alcoholic drinks per day. These drinks are typically split evenly—three during lunch, three during dinner—with only water, soft drinks, and coffee free-flowing in between. Spanish lawmakers were crystal clear: this wasn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun. It was about curbing irresponsible binge drinking, street fights, and all the chaos that can follow. Still, confused tourists started arriving expecting the old buy-one-get-one Mojito life, only to be surprised at check-in.
The rule doesn't cover every resort, and it’s not a blanket law across Spain. It applies to certain all-inclusives in specific regions, usually where the tourism board is really pushing for a quieter, family-friendly vibe. You’ll find it hasn’t spread to mainland Spain, Portugal, Greece, or most of the Caribbean—yet. But the media buzz has travelers everywhere asking if this is the start of a new wave in all-inclusive travel standards.
In fact, the UK Foreign Office still mentions these limits in their advice, which can send unsuspecting vacation planners into a spiral. Booking on a third-party site or on the hotel’s own website? You’ll sometimes find a single line buried in the fine print: “alcoholic drinks limited per person per day,” often without much detail about enforcement. That’s caused its own flood of questions at check-in desks from Palma to San Antonio Bay.
How Resorts Actually Enforce the Limit (Or Don’t)
If you’re reading this gripping your sunhat, let’s get specific: what does a “six drink limit” even look like in real life? Is there a bouncer with a notepad? Does the bartender ask for a secret password after round six?
In resorts where the rule is active—again, mostly in parts of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca—you’ll see the difference right at meal times. Alcoholic beverages, like wine, beer, or house mixed drinks, are included with lunch and dinner only. Your magic number is three drinks per meal. Want more drinks after dessert? That'll go on your room bill. Want a mid-morning mimosa at the pool bar? You'll pay out of pocket.
Bartenders aren’t following guests around with a tally. Instead, some resorts use your room number, scannable wristbands, or digital keycards to track drinks at the bar or restaurant. Staff might gently mention the limit if you’re on your seventh or eighth request. Enforcement ranges from the breezy (“no worries, but it’ll be an extra charge”) to firm, with some bars refusing to bend, especially if local inspectors are lurking for surprise spot checks. There’s a lot of confusion—sometimes even staff will have to double check the rules for your specific booking because different tour operators signed different agreements.
Here’s a snapshot of how policies compare, shown in a handy table:
| Region | Known 6-Drink Rule? | Enforced When? | Enforcement Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibiza/Mallorca/Menorca | Yes (select hotels) | Lunch & Dinner hours | Drink count per meal, room number or wristband |
| Mainland Spain | No (as of 2025) | N/A | N/A |
| Greece/Portugal/Turkey | No | N/A | N/A |
| Mexico/Caribbean | No | N/A | N/A |
Of course, elsewhere, all-inclusive still means just that: unlimited pouring of local spirits, wine, beer, and the occasional umbrella-topped concoction. But even outside Spain’s six-drink zone, some hotels make their own house rules, especially in high-end eco-resorts, adult-only hideaways, or luxury brands targeting peace and quiet. These outliers might use words like “responsible consumption” or “manager’s discretion”—code for “Don’t get rowdy, and you can keep enjoying your free drinks.”
Most guests will find the six-drink rule is only a factor in the specific Spanish islands we’ve covered—and even there, it’s not always super-strict. Still, there’s one surefire way to know: read your terms before booking and double-check by asking the hotel directly. Online travel forums, like Tripadvisor, often have fresh reviews with guests detailing exactly how the policy played out at their hotel last week.
What Travelers and Hotels Really Think
Unsurprisingly, the reaction to the six-drink limit has been a mix of outrage, resigned acceptance, and even a few grudging “actually, it wasn’t so bad” takes. Some tourists, especially those booking a party trip, feel like the rule cancels out half the reason they paid extra for all-inclusive in the first place. For others—families, older couples, or those looking forward to quieter nights—the change barely registers. They may not even use all six drinks in a day.
Hotel managers, meanwhile, tend to tread lightly. Many don’t want the bad publicity that comes from guests venting online about precious cocktails withheld. Some quietly sidestep the rule with member discounts, two-for-one happy hours, or invitations to private events where the drinks flow a bit more freely. Others take pride in the rule, arguing that it creates a calmer, cleaner resort with fewer breakages, less puke by the pool, and a more family-friendly reputation—something that helps them stand out in a crowded market.
One of the more interesting side effects? Some local bars and clubs love the six-drink rule. Resort guests, limited to just a couple of mojitos on-site, are now heading out into neighborhoods for extra drinks after dinner, giving a boost to local nightlife scenes. In some cases, the policy may have simply shifted the drinking—from on-resort to local bars—rather than cutting it down overall. That’s why some travelers say the best “hack” is to treat your all-inclusive as a base, try your six drinks, then go out for some local fun.
Travel agencies now tend to make policies clearer in their ads and booking forms. Big operators like TUI or Jet2Holidays mention drink caps up front, if they apply, so no one feels blindsided. That doesn’t mean the policy is always explained in detail; that’s why a last-minute double check is still a smart move.
Interestingly, there hasn’t been a dramatic change in booking numbers for these destinations since the rules kicked in. Mallorca and Ibiza are still seeing millions of visitors every summer, which suggests that for most people, sun, sea, and six drinks—with or without a jump to the party strip—can still make a decent holiday.
Tips for Navigating Drink Limits at All-Inclusive Resorts
Worried your holiday plans might fizzle out a little too soon? Whether you’re flying into a “six-drink” rule zone or somewhere with a more relaxed approach, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how seasoned travelers make the most of their stay, without drama—or a surprise bar bill.
- Check before you book: Read hotel details, travel agency fine print, or call the resort. Rules can change quickly, especially if local governments update policies.
- Ask at check-in: Don’t be shy—get specifics on what your wristband (or room number) covers and when. If the rule is active, ask how strictly it’s enforced.
- Bring your own beverages: If allowed, buy local beer, wine, or spirits and enjoy them in your room or on your balcony—some resorts are relaxed about this as long as you’re not disruptive.
- Make friends with bartenders: They sometimes have tips about happy hour deals outside the six-drink window or can recommend nearby bars if you want a change of scene.
- Mix up your order: Many six-drink policies are for alcohol only—you can try specialty coffees, smoothies, or mocktails for something fun between happy hours.
- Try local bars: Get a feel for the area and help support small businesses by visiting pubs, beach clubs, or tapas spots outside your resort—just keep tabs so you’re not spending more than you expected.
- Pace yourself: Even if the all inclusive magic means unlimited drinks elsewhere, pacing your alcohol is always a good idea for both your wallet and your holiday memories.
Another tip from frequent travelers is to look up recent guest reviews on popular booking sites. Many guests leave notes about what to expect regarding drinks, staff leniency, or any clever workarounds. Also, resorts sometimes loosen up during off-peak seasons, or when the crowd is mostly families.
And let’s be real: six drinks in a day? For many, that’s a perfectly reasonable threshold, especially in the sun. Mix in a few water breaks, explore the local flavors, and make the most of the cafeteria and snack bars, which still operate under “all you can eat” rules. No one’s walking away hungry, at least.
What Does the Future Hold for All-Inclusive Drink Policies?
As of July 2025, “the six drink limit” isn’t universal. But the way tourism is changing—especially after the pandemic—means resorts and governments are thinking more about responsible alcohol policies. In Spain’s Balearics, local leaders say the rule has been successful at reducing ugly drunkenness, ambulance calls, and late-night incidents. If other destinations see the same problems, similar rules could pop up elsewhere.
That said, hoteliers in non-Spanish destinations are cautious. Unlimited drinks have always been a key part of the all-inclusive allure. Look at the Caribbean, where luxury chains compete on premium spirits, or Turkey’s booming beach resorts, where “ultra all-inclusive” means all the cocktails you want, often until 2 a.m. Unless local governments force their hand, most resorts outside the Spanish party islands say they have no plans to limit standard drinks as long as guests behave respectfully and safely.
Watch out for a middle ground, though. Some “eco” or boutique resorts are quietly starting to mention responsible service, sometimes capping ultra-premium spirits or introducing apps to help guests track their own consumption. Brands are using tech, like digital wristbands or mobile apps, to manage both budgets and public relations—if you’re booking a very new or high-end resort, expect these features to pop up more often.
Where does this all leave the average traveler? Simple: pay attention, ask questions, and weigh what matters most for your holiday. If you want truly unlimited drinks, read up to make sure your dream trip isn’t sneakily capped at six margaritas a day. Prefer a relaxed, safe vibe with less boozy chaos? The new rules might be just your ticket. Either way, clarity and research will keep those poolside smiles coming—whatever’s in your glass.