New rules could “keep British tourists away” from the Algarve

New rules banning tourists from strolling around in swimwear in the popular holiday resort of Albufeira could end up driving Brits elsewhere, according to a leading party expert.

Albufeira is looking to revise its code of conduct and plans to ban men from wearing shorts topless or women wearing bikinis in public areas, away from hotels and the beach.

Street drinking would also be banned as part of a new code of conduct proposed by the city council, with fines of up to €1,500 for anyone caught.

Matt Mavir, who directs Last Night of Freedom , said Albufeira's reputation as one of the UK's favourite destinations would be under threat if the new rules were seen as too strict.

“Parts of the new code of conduct prohibit things like urinating in the street or having sex in a public place, and I fully endorse the stricter rules on antisocial behaviour like this,” said Matt, whose Tyneside-based company has organised more than 50,000 parties over 25 years.

“But to crack down on people wearing bikinis or men taking their shirts off in the heat, I think we can all agree that these rules seem petty and probably unworkable.

“We’ve seen other European destinations introduce tough rules to try and stop party tourism in Britain and they’ve never worked so far. But I think it will make some Brits fed up with being the targets of bad behaviour from an ever-shrinking minority.

“Our clients are normal people and those who book hen parties through professional companies are not the ones causing problems.

“Most of our guests are looking for a fun and memorable time without causing a scene or disturbing the locals.

“If people feel they are being unfairly targeted, they can simply go somewhere else.”

Albufeira Mayor José Carlos Rolo defended the new rules, which aim to preserve the town's family-friendly reputation by cracking down on anti-social behaviour.

A consultation has already been launched and, if approved, the new laws could be introduced by the summer.

The city attracts thousands of Brits celebrating stag and hen parties every year.

And for now, Matt advised groups planning to visit the town to stay informed: “We’ve been doing this for decades and work with local businesses to ensure our customers always follow the rules and respect the local community – I hope for the sake of Albufeira that the local authorities don’t turn people away for being overzealous.”

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