Police stop illegal beach parties at Ballermann 6 - loudspeakers seized

Police clears multiple beach parties at Playa de Palma

On Saturday afternoon, around 1:00 p.m., police units arrived at Playa de Palma and dispersed several illegal beach gatherings in the Balneario 6/7 area. Eyewitnesses later spoke of groups with large loudspeakers that had been blaring on the beach for hours. After brief discussions, seizures followed: several of the massive speakers were taken by the local police.

Five charges, five speakers – and fines

The officers secured five large loudspeakers and filed charges against five individuals. The accusations: unauthorized use of audio equipment and disturbance of the peace. According to the incident reports, fines of up to 750 euros are possible. Not exactly a cheap pastime when you tally the party's costs.

What residents and sunbathers say
'I was on the beach with my mother, she could hardly read her book,' said a woman near Cala Estancia. Another couple, who went for lunch along the promenade, complained that conversations and phone calls had become impossible. This is not the first time: especially at this stretch, the infamous Ballermann 6 with Upper Bavaria, Megapark and Bierkönig in view, similar scenes keep occurring.

The police make clear that the beach is there to relax. The officers reminded in their statement to respect other beachgoers and to follow the applicable rules. 'Our goal is peaceful coexistence,' the statement said.

Why the issue resurfaces

In late summer the beaches fill up again; midday hours are in demand because many guests now have more flexible arrival and departure times. When groups with amplifiers show up, the balance between partying and consideration quickly goes off kilter. Some local entrepreneurs say stricter action is necessary — others fear that too rigid rules could drive away the audience.

For the moment, five loudspeakers are fewer on the beach, and five people have trouble with the authorities. Whether this suffices as a signal or whether inspections will be needed again remains to be seen in the coming week. I was at the scene; the sun was blazing, a few tourists moved on — some relieved, some outraged. That is life at the Playa: loud, sometimes chaotic, and always surprising.