Inspections of bars in Estepona by the Local Police have increased five-fold in the past year and have resulted in 74 denuncias being made for various infringements.
A high percentage of the denuncias concern paperwork, or lack of it in many cases. Not having the appropriate opening license or not processing a change of ownership and failure to close the premises on time are the main problems. Fines for offenders range from €300 to #1,500 with, in addition, the possibility of temporary closure of the premises.
When making an inspection call on places of entertainment, the Local Police also carry out a routine check for drugs on the premises and the amount of narcotic substances seized in the past year has risen by around 10%. The drugs seized tend to be hashish, cocaine and psychotropic pills.
The number of complaints regarding fights and brawls in or around bars has also increased, and quite dramatically, up by 143%. The police have also intensified alcohol controls for drivers in and around the main leisure areas and this has seen the number of infringements rise by over 130% during the past twelve months.