Benidorm Police Seek Undercover Beach Patrols in Crackdown on Illegal Mojito Sellers

Benidorm's Local Police are seeking permission to patrol the city's beaches in plain clothes as authorities step up efforts to tackle the illegal sale of alcoholic drinks to holidaymakers.

The proposed measure is aimed at stopping unlicensed sellers who approach sunbathers offering mojitos and other alcoholic beverages along Benidorm's popular beaches.

According to local reports, officers have issued almost 1,000 penalties this year for illegal street sales of drinks and other products on the beaches.

However, the authorities say enforcement has proved difficult, with sellers frequently managing to escape before officers can intervene.

Sellers alert each other when police arrive

Benidorm's Local Police say many illegal vendors operate in groups and warn one another when uniformed officers approach.

By the time police reach the area, sellers may have already hidden their merchandise or moved elsewhere along the beach.

The proposed undercover patrols would allow officers to approach suspected offenders without immediately alerting them to their presence.

Police believe this could make it easier to catch sellers in the act and confiscate the drinks being offered to tourists.

The request for authorisation has been submitted to the Government Delegation, and approval would be required before the proposed patrols could go ahead.

More than €280,000 in penalties issued

The Town Hall has also called for tougher penalties, arguing that existing sanctions have not been sufficient to deter illegal trading.

Figures reported by local authorities indicate that fines for the illegal sale of alcoholic drinks and other products on Benidorm's beaches have exceeded €280,000 during 2026.

Despite the scale of the penalties, officials say a significant proportion of the fines remain unpaid.

Some offenders reportedly declare themselves insolvent, making it difficult for the authorities to collect the money owed.

When sellers are caught, police can issue penalties and remove the products they are carrying.

However, officials argue that confiscating a small number of drinks does little to discourage vendors who can quickly return with more stock.

What it means for Benidorm holidaymakers

Benidorm's beaches remain among the resort's biggest attractions, drawing thousands of British visitors and other international tourists throughout the year.

The proposed measures are intended to help authorities control unlicensed trading and improve enforcement along the beachfront.

Visitors should be aware that drinks sold by unlicensed beach vendors may not be subject to the same controls and standards as those served by established bars and restaurants.

Anyone buying refreshments on the beach should take care to use reputable businesses and be cautious about purchasing drinks from unknown sellers.

For now, the undercover patrols remain a proposal awaiting authorisation, rather than a confirmed new policing arrangement.