All about Benidorm - BenidormSeriously

Children in Bars, Spanish Law

Children in Bars, Spanish Law. We are always being asked about children in bars here in Benidorm are they allowed?

In plain English children are allowed in bars but only when accompanied by a sensible adult.

However the local police have the right to consider the environment harmful to children which could result in a significant fine for the bar concerned, not to mention a potential arrest for the responsible adult.

This is the reason many bars opt to disallow children completely, whilst other bars use periodic discretion, depending on the individual circumstances on the night which here in Benidorm could just mean the type of clientele in at the time, just how busy the venue is or the type show on stage.

A heavy police presence in the area will often result in the bars choosing the safe option on that night.

FOR A LIST OF PLACES SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES CLICK HERE

Use the Whats ON Guide to find suitable entertainment

Things to do for Families in Benidorm

Advertise Here

Children in Bars, Spanish Law - This is what the Spanish Law says.....

Spanish law defines anyone under 18 to be a minor. Any unaccompanied minors that come to the attention of the Spanish authorities (for whatever reason, but particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) are judged to be vulnerable and may be taken into a minors centre until a parent or guardian can be found.

You must provide photographic ID (your passport) if requested by a police officer. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed. Ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.

The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 years old

You can drink alcohol at a restaurant if you’re with older people....The law applies to the restaurant as well but you can do it as long as you are supervised by older people. The waiters cannot intervene if you mum ordered it and then gave it to you but be sure to don’t overdo it and take advantage of it. The restaurant could be fined.

Those under the age of 16 may purchase beer or wine if accompanied by parents - If children under the age of 16 who wants to try the wines in Spain, then a parent or an older person would proxy the person under 16 to buy alcoholic beverage. The law does state that it is illegal for minors to buy alcoholic beverages but the law does not make any reference about drinking inside homes.

Any establishment selling or serving alcohol to minors under the age of 18 will be fined - According to the law selling or serving alcohol to minors under the age of 18 will be fined with a minimum penalty of 30,000 Euros and a maximum penalty of 600,000 Euros.

It’s okay to let minors have a taste - As we all know, Spain is famous for its high-quality wine production so it wouldn’t hurt to let minors just to have a sip, so they would know what it tastes like. The law is about buying or selling any alcoholic beverages to minors but if the parent is the one who gave it, it is an exemption but just a minimal amount enough for minors to taste.

Usually, bartenders and sales people are not really concerned - We are not suggesting it is totally okay to drink alcoholic beverages if you are a minor but if you look older than your age, bartenders usually won’t ask for your age or your identification card. But you still have to be careful. Better safe than sorry.

There is another law that does not allow stores to sell drinks after 10:00pm - Well, if there is a law about minors being forbidden to buy alcoholic beverage, then there is also a law that forbids store to sell drinks after 10:00pm to avoid “botellion”. It is a Spanish phenomenon where there is a street party with lots of noisy drunken people, disturbing neighbors, and damaging public places.

Children in Bars, Spanish Law

Legal alcohol drinking age in Spain is a federal law - In Spain, every state or region should follow the law about the legal drinking age of 18 years old. No exemption.

For 18 years old below, it is prohibited to buy but not prohibited to drink - Note that the legal drinking age only prohibits 18 years old and under to buy alcoholic beverage but they are not prohibited to drink it. Therefore, it is perfectly okay to drink alcohol if you are below 18 years of age in Spain, only if you are not the one who bought it and if you consume it indoors.

Night Clubs, Bars:
The law expressly prohibits the entry of persons under 18 years in nightclubs and similar establishments at night time, including theatres, night cinemas, television shows, etc.

Children can come if accompanied by their parents or legal guardians demonstrating that they are full, under his/her responsibility, as long as the establishment's activities do not cause harm in their physical, psychological and moral.

FOR A LIST OF PLACES SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES CLICK HERE

Harmful Places:
Spanish law does not allow children and young people under 18 years being in these kind of places. If parents or legal guardians will allow children (or even accompany them) this can be seen as committing a crime and they may lose guardianship.

Examples of dangerous places covered by Spanish law can include: places where drugs are distributed or consumed, areas with pornographic or violent performances, problem areas with high crime, prostitution areas, places with high health risk, gambling places, etc.

Children in Bars, Spanish Law

Places for gambling:
Spanish Law do not allow this for people under 18 years.

Join the Benidorm Seriously Facebook Group

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS in SPAIN

The European Emergency telephone Number 112 is not the only emergency number here in Spain.

As well as 112, the following emergency numbers are available
062 - Guardia Civil
091 - National Police - Reporting robberies etc.
061 - Health emergencies
080 - Fire Service
092 - Local Police
090 - Report traffic incidents
011 - Road information (traffic jams and incidents)
016 - Reporting Domestic Violence

Coastguard/Sea rescue 900 202 202

Medical Care 24hrs: 900 161 161

Advertise Here

Disabled people can send a fax and an SMS to the National Emergency Numbers.
112 Calls are answered on average within 5 seconds.

In addition to the national language(s) the calls can be answered in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic and German, depending on the call centres.

To report a crime to the police in English telephone:

902 102 112

Download the ALERTCOPS APP

What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19 symptoms, or if I’ve been in contact with someone infected?

First, avoid all physical contact with other people. Next, inform the local healthcare authorities immediately via the information helpline. The number for the Valencian region is 900 300 555

S.A.T.E - Benidorm Office - 96 681 23 34/96 680 98 70

The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service is a police department whose role is to offer foreign tourists, visiting the city, personalised assistance after having suffered a criminal offence or similar incident. Assistance is given by the National Police Service and personnel from the Tourist. Board. The tourist is given assistance in their own language and will be helped in reporting crime, lost passports etc.

The consulate is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1.30pm, excluding public holidays. Consular phone lines are open from 8am to 4pm.

Consulate of The United Kingdom in Alicante - 0034 965 21 60 22

Other useful numbers -

Benidorm Town Council - 965 855 500
Benidorm Town Hall- 965 855 500
Citizens Advice Bureau - 9668 020 121
Red cross (Cruz Roja) - 900 100 333
Samaritans - 900 525 100

BENIDORM HOSPITALS
Hospital Comarcal de la Marina Baixa
Av. Alcalde en Jaume Botella Mayor, 7. La Vila Joiosa
Tel. 966 907 200

Hospital Clínica Benidorm
Av. Alfonso Puchades, 8.
Tel. 965 853 850

Hospital de Levante
C/ Doctor Ramón y Cajal, 7.
Tel. 966 878 787

CONSULATES
United Kingdom
Edificio Espacio, Rambla Méndez Núñez 28-32, 6ª planta, 03002 Alacant, Alicante
If you’re in the communities of Valencia and Murcia and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +34 965 21 60 22. If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Spain, call 020 7008 1500. We are experiencing technical issues with our telephone line. If you cannot reach us on our usual number, please call the British Embassy Madrid on +34 917 146 300.

British Embassy - Emergency Assistance Free Phone - 917 146 300

Iceland
Av. Mediterráneo, 37. Edif. Casa de las Flores;
Tel. 965 851 667

Finland
C/ Almendros, 37, 2º izq.
Tel. 965 866 942

Norway
C/ Pal, 1. Edif. Aurea 6º A y B.
Tel. 965 852 166

Netherlands
Ctra. Finestrat, 7. El Planet. Edif. Servitour.
Tel. 965 857 012

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic
C/ Ibiza, 15. Apartamentos Triomar. Tel. 965 853 283

TOWN BUSES
Llorente Bus, C/ Castellon, Poligono Industrial de Finestrat - 96 585 43 22

REGIONAL BUSES
Grupo Alsa (Enatcar-Ubesa), Avda. Jaime I, Aptos. Valencia II
Av. Europa, (Centro Comercial La Noria) - 902 42 22 42
Bilmanbus, C/ Lepanto - 96 586 15 58
Jimenez, C/ Lepanto - 96 586 15 58

INTERNATIONAL BUSES
Grupo Alsa (Eurolines), Av. Europa - 902 42 22 42
Iberbus-Linebus, C/ Portugal - 96 522 93 36/96 522 95 04

TRAINS
Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV), C/ Estacion - 96 585 18 95
Renfe, Avda. Salamanca - 902 24 02 02

Movistar - 1002 (reporting problems) 1004 all enquiries, say ENGLISH after hearing the message.

Cancellation of Credit/cards

Amex - 914 004 250

Mastercard - 900 971 231

Visa - 900 991 124

Emergency telephone numbers, Spain

Emergency telephone numbers

JOIN THE BENIDORM SERIOUSLY FACEBOOK GROUP

Benidorm, The different areas of town explained

Benidorm, the different areas of town explained. There is something to suit everyone in Benidorm. The small number of people who have visited Benidorm and didn´t like it, probably just found themselves in the wrong part. A holiday here can be anything you want from partying 24/7 to just relaxing on the beach and enjoying the Old town. If you are unfamiliar with Benidorm this page will explain the different areas so you can choose the one most suited to you.

This will help to guide you with regard to where to stay and explain the terms used in our search facility

If you are already familiar with the content of this page and simply wish to search for accommodation click here

Or if you already know the name of the accommodation you are looking for and simply want reviews and further information use Business Directory to find your accommodation.

Benidorm is for everyone

Different areas of Benidorm, Map

Benidorm, The different areas of town explained

The Blue Area of the map is Poniente Beach area. There are two major beaches in Benidorm. The Blue area is Poniente Beach area and the neighbouring bay of La Cala these are much more suited to those who prefer a quieter beach holiday with friendly bars and restaurants.

The Orange area is the more modern part of Benidorm Old Town. This is were you will find most shops etc. This area tends to be favoured by the Spanish with regard to the food choices in restaurants and Hotel entertainment etc and also those with a preference to simply avoid the hustle and bustle found in other areas of Benidorm. This area also incorporates part of Poniente and Levante Beach.

Advertise Here

The Red area is the old town of Benidorm. Beautiful little narrow streets with loads of restaurants and tapas bars and a pleasant blend of English and Spanish Bars. More suited for those who like to experience some of the old Spanish culture or perhaps like to experiment a little with the cuisine. This is the area that most of the major fiestas during the year take place, so if you want to be right in the middle of the parades, this is the place to be.

This area also includes the very popular beach called Cala Mal Pas, Benidorm Port and Elche Park, know locally as Dove Park.

This area is also popular with the Gay community and therefore much of the entertainment, aimed at the British, will be Drag acts in small bars.

The Green triangular area of the map is know as the New Town and stretches across a large part of Levante Beach. This is the area that receives the unfair description of Blackpool with sun. It is the area where you will find the Square and the Main entertainment strip. If you are in search of entertainment this is where you need to be. Many of the food outlets in this area will serve typical British food. If you prefer Burger and chips to deep fried squids, this is the place. We refer to this area as the British area on our search page"

The expanded Green area to the right of the map is know as the Rincon de Loix. Still predominantly British, however a little quieter. Situated in the Rincon De Loix there is an entertainment area consisting of a handful of bars where the main acts from the strip can be seen performing. These bars tend to not attract the large groups that can often be found in Benidorm for example during Stag and Hen season (March to June), summer when football tournaments are on, or popular fiestas such as St Patricks day and Fancy Dress day in November. For that reason they are favoured by the older generation, families with young children and those who simply prefer to avoid larger crowds.

Please note. Many Hotels etc will advertise entertainment. Please refer to the reviews for details of this as while some hotels use British Entertainment some will have entertainment more suited to the Spanish tourist or perhaps visual acts in an attempt to cater for everyone. Also please be aware if you are hoping to see a specific act, some of the acts may be exclusive to one bar and may therefore not work in both the Rincon and the Strip. Our admin team will be happy to advise if you require more information, or feel free to check our whats on guide.

ACCOMMODATION SEARCH

QUICK TIP: If your search produces a zero result, (it is not possible to be five minutes from everything). Select your criteria in order of priority one step at a time and select show me where to stay. That will shorten the list on each step and it will become obvious on the zero result which preference is not possible after all your first preferences have been selected

Please note - All information provided on the search page with regards to - Family Friendly, Suitable for groups, Adult Only, ect has been provided by Benidorm Seriously Facebook Group Members.

Cabaret Bars suitable for Children

The cabaret bars suitable for children listed below have been recommended by Benidorm Seriously Facebook group members. Feel free to add your votes for your recommendations.

Some venues in Benidorm will have a cut off time for children, this is due to the contents of the shows, some have a strict NO children policy and others will make the decision on the night depending upon the clientele in at that time.

This page explains Spanish Law with regards to children in bars.

To see what entertainment is on use our online Whats On Guide, there are lots of shows suitable for families.

Thank you for voting. Come back and visit again when votes over one month old drop off and you can vote again.

That was fun, show me another poll

Advertise Here

Here are a few others we know who allow Children, but as yet have never been recommended by members of Benidorm Seriously. Feel free to add them to the list if you would recommend them as bars suitable for suitable for Children at night

Morgan Tavern - Cabaret Bar, time restrictions, sometimes 10pm sometimes midnight and some time NO children

Phillipines 10 (part of the Presidente Hotel) Cabaret bar, time restrictions depending on the acts that are on.

To discuss the topic with other members add your comments below of join our Facebook Group or The Benidorm Social Club

The Best Sunday Lunch in Benidorm

One of the most common questions on our Facebook Group is where to find the Best Sunday Lunch in Benidorm. There are loads to choose from, therefore this question is easier to answer by putting it to our members. There is a poll below where you can assist by adding your votes for the best ones you have found. The poll is kept updated by removing any votes that are more than one month old. Therefore if you have already voted and since found somewhere better, you can vote again in 30 days time.

These places have been recommended by Benidorm Seriously Facebook Group Members. You can Vote for more than one if you cant make up your mind

Thank you for voting. Come back and visit again when votes over one month old drop off and you can vote again.

That was fun, show me another poll

Advertise Here

Once you have made up your mind where to try, you can click on the links to find interactive maps to guide you straight to the door, or contact details to book tables or to pre check special dietary requirements. Good luck, if you find the best Sunday lunch in Benidorm, come back and tell us