The government of the Balearic Islands has opened a disciplinary case against Hydropark Alcúdia water park with a proposed fine of 11,000 euros. The case questions whether the facility should prohibit visitors from bringing food and drinks inside the enclosure, requiring guests to leave for consumption or to purchase on-site at higher prices in indoor restaurants. This measure mirrors a recent action taken against the event organizer RBF Travel in relation to the Reggaeton Beach Festival held last July. The General Manager of Consumption urged leisure facility users to report such behavior as it constitutes a serious irregularity and appears discriminatory against certain consumers (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
The action targets institutions and venues whose primary activity is not food service, such as water parks and concert venues, which focus on entertainment and permit the consumption of food and beverages only if bought on site. By contrast, cinemas have long allowed patrons to enter with items not sold on the premises, such as popcorn or soft drinks purchased elsewhere, a precedent cited in the discussion (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
Complaints have led to a sanction file against Hidropark Alcúdia, with three users being banned from bringing food into these facilities, a provision described as a possible exception only for babies or fruit (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
The company defended the veto by arguing that food poisoning can be difficult to trace and impurities could be present in foods. Yet the investigation found that the three restaurants currently operating within the facilities permit consumption of products purchased on site, indicating that not all external food is barred (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
The decision by Consumer Affairs classifies these instances as serious abuse and, together with the 11,000 euro sanction proposal, opens the possibility for Hidropark to file claims against the measure (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
Given that the water park has imposed the sanction, the department of the Government justifies the proposal as an abusive restriction aimed at limiting consumers’ freedom to choose where to buy food and beverages by unilaterally imposing restrictions on accessory services. The main business of these enterprises, it is noted, is not food and beverage sales (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
The example referenced is similar to movie theaters that face cases where customers are required to accept entries from abroad because certain products are sold inside the venue (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
The Petition
The General Manager of Consumption argues that such practices should be condemned, especially now when families face economic challenges due to rising prices. He emphasizes that denying outside food creates a discriminatory effect against those who seek more affordable options, or who simply prefer to bring food from outside facilities that are often more expensive (Source: Balearic Islands Government).
It is reminded that the entrance fee in this case covers access to attractions and swimming pools regardless of restaurant services offered on site (Source: Balearic Islands Government).