Editorial: Magalluf crackdown

Over the last few days we have received plenty of calls from  “Fleet Street” including one from the respected travel writer Simon Calder on the changes which come into force this month in an effort to bring Magalluf under control. Magalluf is a big story in Britain and the British media want to know if finally the “Magalluf problem” will be sorted out. While Iwelcome the changes which are being introduced, which include a curb on pub crawls and a crackdown on street drinking of alcohol, I have been rather sceptical with the British media.  As we all know we have been promised crackdowns before and it must be remembered that the ruling council which promised the crackdown is no longer in office. Until this weekend Calvia does not have a ruling council and it will be interesting to see whether they decide  to continue with the previous administration´s crackdown.  Also, the measures which will be introduced will mean that hundreds of police officers will have to be on duty to ensure that the crackdown is properly enforced.  The local Spanish newspapers have already started to run stories which claim that nothing has changed in Magalluf despite the promised new laws.  I have also listened to all sides of the argument and I must say that they all have a point. Bar owners are facing major competition from all inclusive hotels and this is one of the problems which needs to be dealt with. And then of course there is the problem of muggers posing as prostitutes.  According to the Magalluf business community this is one of the biggest problems faced by the  resort at the moment.