UK Foreign Office issues alert over holiday hotspot's strict new rules with £1.5k fine

The UK Foreign Office is reminding Brits they risk on the spot fines of up to £1.5k (€1.8k) if they fail to abide by a string of new regulations. Albufeira, a coastal city in Portugal that boasts pretty beaches and a vibrant nightlife, has announced a new 'code of conduct' which cracks down on inappropriate behaviour.

The 15 new rules could see tourists slapped with hefty fines after the holiday hotspot introduced strict rules for public places, including bans on drinking alcohol in the street, excessive noise and full nudity in public. The UK Foreign Office issued an alert for travellers on Thursday (June 26) saying: "The municipality of Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. Check out the rules that are now in force. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot from between 150 and 1800 euros."

The fines range from £128 (€150) to £1.5k (€1.8k). Those found fully naked in public or engaging in sexual acts or 'simulations' in public face penalties ranging from £427 (€500) to £1.5k.

Meanwhile, partial nudity in public, drinking alcohol in the streets and urinating in public places could see holidaymakers handed a fee of nearly £1.3k.

Those found making excessive noise and damaging municipal property could be forced to pay a fine of up to £1k.

Fines of €150 and £640 (€750) can be issued for relatively minor offences such as spitting on the ground, misuse of public furniture or abandoning shopping trolleys.

Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo told Lusa news agency of the enforcement: "People have to start changing their mindset and behaviour. Our goal is to prevent these issues and not have to act after they have happened."

The 15 new rules in place in Albufeira along with the fines:

• Full nudity in public - €150 to €1,800
• Partial nudity in public (non-beach) - €300 to €1,500
• Sexual acts or simulations in public - €500 to €1,800
• Drinking alcohol in the street - €300 to €1,500
• Sleeping overnight in public areas - €150 to €750
• Urinating or defecating in public - €300 to €1,500
• Spitting on the ground - €150 to €750
• Camping or setting up tents - €150 to €750
• Cooking in public spaces - €150 to €750
• Activities in prohibited/signed-off areas - €150 to €750
• Excessive noise/disturbing peace - €300 to €1,500
• Misuse of public furniture - €150 to €750
• Damaging municipal property - €300 to €1,500
• Abandoning shopping carts or similar items - €150 to €750
• Using carts beyond permitted areas - €150 to €750