Are You Only Allowed 6 Drinks on All-Inclusive? Busting the Big Myth

Ever heard people talk about an all-inclusive hotel where you can only order six drinks a day? Sounds shocking, right? A lot of folks planning a relaxing beach trip get nervous when this rumor pops up. No one wants to get stuck counting tiny cocktail glasses on vacation.

Here's what's really happening: the famous '6 drinks per day' limit is not a worldwide rule. Most all-inclusive resorts, especially outside of one or two spots, have no daily drink ticket system at all. You can walk up to the bar as many times as you want and order something. The myth mostly started with some resorts in Spanish holiday spots, especially part of the Balearic Islands, after British tourists went a little overboard a few years back. It isn't a thing in Mexico, the Caribbean, or most of Europe. If you stick to popular resorts, you're usually in the clear.

Still, there are exceptions, and those can catch people off guard. Some travel packages, especially ones sold from the UK after Brexit, might mention this cap in the fine print, but it's rare. Before you book, double check. Look at the details of your specific hotel and see if there are any drink restrictions in place. It seriously pays off to know what to expect before you hit the pool bar.

• Where Did the 6-Drinks Rule Come From?
• What Kind of Resorts Have Drink Limits?
• Countries That Enforce the Rule (and Why)
• How All-Inclusive Hotels Really Handle Alcohol
• Tips for Enjoying Your Stay without Worries
• What to Watch Out for in the Fine Print

Where Did the 6-Drinks Rule Come From?

This whole 6-drinks-a-day thing didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It started back in 2022, after the Spanish government decided to clamp down on what they called ‘excessive tourism’ in certain parts of the Balearic Islands—think places like Magaluf in Mallorca and parts of Ibiza. The goal? Curb wild party scenes, keep things a bit tamer, and cut down on rowdy behavior, especially after incidents linked to heavy drinking by tourists.

The rule was aimed at all-inclusive hotels. For some British vacationers, it was a shock to see a limit like this in their package deals. Tour operators had to spell out in the booking fine print that the “all-inclusive” wasn’t quite what everyone was used to. If you’re at a hotel following this rule, you get vouchers for three alcoholic drinks at lunch, and three at dinner. If you want more, you’ve got to pay for it.

But here’s what matters: this is not the standard everywhere. It’s a local rule, enforced only in specific areas of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. It doesn’t apply across Spain, and it definitely isn’t a global thing. So if you hear about the 6 drink rule, remember, it mostly applies to some all-inclusive spots in Spain—nowhere else has really jumped on the bandwagon yet.

What Kind of Resorts Have Drink Limits?

Most people expect all-inclusive hotels to let you order drinks whenever you want, but there are a few exceptions. The most talked-about example is in certain Spanish resorts, mainly on Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca—especially in towns known for wild party scenes (like Magaluf and San Antonio). In these areas, local government rules mean some resorts now limit guests to just six alcoholic drinks per day as part of the all-inclusive deal. The rule applies to all-inclusive packages, not regular room bookings.

Here's a quick look at where drink limits show up and why:

• Spain’s Balearic Islands: Since 2022, law requires some hotels in specific areas to limit all-inclusive guests to six alcoholic drinks per day (three with lunch, three with dinner). This targets anti-social partying and tries to reduce booze-driven incidents.
• Party-Popular Resorts: If a hotel is in an area with a reputation for excessive drinking, it’s more likely to have limits. These rules mostly target young crowds looking for a wild time, not quiet family resorts.
• UK Package Holidays: Several UK travel agencies (like TUI and Jet2) have to mention the six-drink limit for these Spanish destinations when selling all-inclusive trips. The info can be buried in the small print.

For reference, here’s a table with resort areas and whether the 6-drink rule applies:

Destination	Drink Limits?	Applies To
Ibiza (San Antonio)	Yes	All-Inclusive Packages Only
Mallorca (Magaluf, El Arenal)	Yes	All-Inclusive Packages Only
Menorca	Yes (some areas)	All-Inclusive Packages Only
Canary Islands	No	All-Inclusive, Regular Stays
Mexico	No	All-Inclusive, Regular Stays
Dominican Republic	No	All-Inclusive, Regular Stays

The six-drink rule doesn’t apply to non-alcoholic drinks, so you can still grab unlimited sodas, water, or juices any time. And most resorts outside these few spots don’t limit you at all. So unless you’re hitting a party hotspot in Spain, your all-inclusive stay likely comes without weird drink restrictions.

Countries That Enforce the Rule (and Why)

Let’s get straight to it: not every country puts a 6-drink limit on guests at all-inclusive hotels. In fact, you’ll mostly hear about this rule in certain tourist hot spots in Spain. The main place where this actually happens is the Balearic Islands—which includes Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. Not every resort does it, but some in super-busy resort areas are required by local law to set drink caps.

So how did this come about? Honestly, the local government in the Balearics got tired of wild tourist behavior—especially people from the UK pushing things a little too far with all-inclusive drinking. After several messy seasons, the government in 2020 brought in new rules for certain holiday zones (Magaluf, Playa de Palma in Mallorca, and San Antonio in Ibiza). Out of all the all-inclusive destinations, only this Spanish region got that strict. They said, “Alright, only six alcoholic drinks per person per day at your hotel bar or restaurant.” That’s three at lunch and three at dinner. If you want more, you’re paying extra.

Outside of these Spanish islands, you probably won’t find enforced drink limits at all-inclusive spots. Drinks keep flowing in Mexico, Greece, Turkey, and the Dominican Republic as usual. In mainland Spain, the rule isn’t used. Even in the Balearics, lots of hotels don’t use the all-inclusive label anymore, or they offer half-board, so guests aren’t confused.

Check out this table for a quick breakdown of drink rules at top sunny destinations:

Country/Region	Is 6-Drink Rule Enforced?	Details/Notes
Balearic Islands (Spain)	Yes	Only in specific resorts/zones (Magaluf, Playa de Palma, San Antonio); 3 drinks at lunch, 3 at dinner
Mainland Spain	No	Normal all-inclusive rules apply
Mexico	No	No government drink limit in place
Dominican Republic	No	No limits; normal all-inclusive service
Greece	No	No restrictions set by law
Turkey	No	No drink cap at resorts

Bottom line: Unless you’re booking one of a handful of spots in the Balearics, chances are the six-drink rule doesn’t apply to you. Still, always double-check your travel agency’s info and, when in doubt, call the hotel directly. The rules can change and not every resort follows the same playbook, even within the same area.

How All-Inclusive Hotels Really Handle Alcohol

All-inclusive hotels have a pretty straightforward approach when it comes to booze: the majority let guests enjoy unlimited drinks. That means you can walk up to the bar whenever you want, grab a piña colada, and head back to your lounger—no drink tickets, no sneaky extra charges. The main thing is, it’s meant to feel relaxed and open because that’s what most guests are looking for.

This “unlimited” system is what separates all-inclusive resorts from other types of vacation. Instead of stressing over a bar tab, you pretty much know all your basics, including alcohol, are prepaid in your package. You’ll see this in most resorts across Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Turkey, and even big-name chains like Riu, Sandals, and Iberostar.

Of course, there are some exceptions, and it’s always good to be aware:

• In a few places—like certain spots in Spanish islands (Magaluf or San Antonio, for example)—local rules may cap free alcoholic drinks to six per day. But outside this, such limits are super rare.
• Some resorts separate top-shelf and basic brands. Unlimited basic drinks are the norm, but premium stuff like Grey Goose or Patron might cost extra.
• If you’re at a family-oriented resort, bartenders might enforce rules about not serving obviously drunk guests. It’s less about limiting your fun and more about safety and comfort for everyone.

The big chains make it clear. Sandals, for example, says,

"At Sandals Resorts, our guests enjoy unlimited premium spirits and wines, always included and unlimited at every bar and restaurant."

It’s the same story in most of the Caribbean and Mexico. If a hotel goes for drink limits, it’s usually stated upfront in the booking terms.

One thing the staff will watch out for is overconsumption. If someone is clearly way too drunk, they might cut you off for a bit. It’s about keeping everyone safe, but it’s not set to an official number—just common sense and local liquor laws. At the end of the day, if you’re polite, you’ll get great service and as many drinks as you’re comfortable with, minus any unusual local rules.

Tips for Enjoying Your Stay without Worries

Almost everyone picks an all-inclusive hotel because it’s supposed to be easy — food, drinks, and fun with no stress. Here are a few practical tips to help you keep it that way, no matter what kind of drink rules the resort might have.

• Double-check before you go: Seriously, look at your hotel’s alcohol policy online or ask your travel provider. Some hotels post drink limits on their websites (especially in certain Spanish islands). It beats being surprised at the bar.
• Know the bar hours: Most resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Turkey offer open-bar service from morning till midnight, but some European hotels might stop serving included alcohol earlier. Plan your dinner and pool time so you don’t get cut off earlier than expected.
• Ask about premium brands: Often, the "unlimited" in all-inclusive means the basics are free but fancy stuff costs extra. If you’re craving a top-shelf whiskey, be ready for a bill at checkout.
• Keep it classy: Resorts rarely say "no" to one more drink unless you cause a scene. Sticking to the rules helps everyone stay happy and keeps staff more relaxed around the bar.
• Pace yourself: Sun, heat, and unlimited cocktails can be a brutal combo. Water between alcoholic drinks will help you enjoy every day of your trip — and avoid those nasty hangovers.
• Bring a reusable cup: Bars at resorts often serve small drinks, especially around the pool. Packing a bigger cup can cut down your trips to the bar without breaking any rules.

Here’s a quick look at what folks are actually running into at popular vacation spots, based on 2023-2024 feedback:

Destination	Drink Limit	Notes
Mexico	None	Bartenders serve at their discretion, no daily cap
Punta Cana	None	All-hours open bars, except during rare local events
Majorca/Ibiza (select hotels)	6 drinks (UK guests only, at meals)	Only at some hotels in Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio
Greece	None	Usual all-inclusive, occasional local alcohol taxes
Turkey	None	Bartenders cut off only for obvious overdrinking

Finally, go easy on the minibar. Some hotels only restock it once per day, and those cans usually count toward any listed drink limit. Don't get caught empty-handed late at night because you finished everything by noon.

What to Watch Out for in the Fine Print

If you’re eyeing an all-inclusive vacation, never skip the details hidden in the booking terms. This is where hotels and travel agencies lay out anything that might affect your food and drinks—including those pesky drink limits.

First, look for the section about alcohol or drink service in your package info. If you see the words “6 alcoholic drinks per person per day,” you’re probably looking at a resort in places like Magaluf or Playa de Palma in Spain. This limit was set up by the Balearic Islands’ government in 2022 mainly to cut down on rowdy tourism. But this only applies in certain resorts and usually only in the party zones, not throughout Spain or most of Europe.

Here’s a handy table to show where and how these rules roll out:

Country/Region	Drink Limit?	Where It Applies
Balearic Islands (Spain)	Yes (6 per day)	Magaluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma
Rest of Spain	No	None
Mexico	No	None
Caribbean	No	None
Greece	No	None

Some UK-based travel agencies selling package holidays are legally required to mention this regulation if it applies. TUI, for example, lists the rule right in their resort descriptions for affected Spanish properties. If you book through a UK travel agency, always check for this info in the “what’s included” section of the hotel or package listing. A quick CTRL+F search for “drink” can save you a mountain of headaches later.

Also, check if the limit is per person or per room. Sometimes, the fine print says the alcohol limit gets split among all adults in the room, which means less per individual if you’re in a group.

• If the rule is there, note the way drinks are served: at affected resorts, your six drinks may only be served during lunch and dinner. You can still buy extra drinks if you want, but they’re not part of the all-inclusive deal.
• Watch out for times. Some hotels have alcohol available only during certain hours, even if there’s no official six-drink limit.
• Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are usually unlimited, so don’t worry about running dry when it comes to water, juice, or soft drinks.

Most importantly, if unlimited drinks really matter to you, always message or call the hotel before you book. All-inclusive sometimes means something different in every country and even between hotels on the same street.