‘Battle of Benidorm!’ Boozy Britons set to take over tourist hotspot as England fans countdown for Euro clash with Spain
Fans gather for Netherlands v England - Benidorm, Spain
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Boozy Britons have been tipped to take over the tourist hotspot Benidorm as England fans prepare to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions against Spain tomorrow night.
Thousands of football fans will descend on the strip’s bars and pubs as Harry Kane hopes to become the first England captain to lift an international trophy since Bobby Moore.
Around 70,000 pints of beer will be drunk at the popular resort on Sunday.
However, amid growing concerns from local residents, a ban on drinking in glass bottles will come into force from 6pm.
Fans gather for Netherlands v England - Benidorm, SpainREUTERS
England fans in Benidorm
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Two tourists recently became the first victims of Benidorm’s stringent ban on boozing at the beach.
They fell foul of the new law while guzzling on a bottle of rose on a beach at the Spanish resort.
The two men were being spoken to by local police while sitting in deck chairs in the Spanish sunshine.
Footage of the incident comes after authorities in Benidorm imposed fines of up to £650 on people caught drinking on the beach.
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England fans have set up in Benidorm throughout the tournament
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Fans gather for England v Slovakia - Benidorm, Spain
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Fans gather for England v Slovenia - Benidorm, Spain
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Local police will also increase its presence in Benidorm on match day.
Road closures have been planned and drones look set to be used to quell potential trouble.
Benidorm Mayor Toni Perez said: “This will be a day of celebration for the two groups of fans, where a playful and festive atmosphere reigns of quiet and good coexistence between Spaniards and the English.”
Benidorm Council added: “The monitoring of security and any incidents that might occur will be carried out from the Coordination Centre which will be located at the Benidorm Local Police Headquarters, where there will be local and national agents working together."
England fans walk through Benidorm
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An England flag painted the flag of St George on his head
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Spain is currently witnessing a surge in anti-tourist protests, with Barcelona experiencing large demonstrations against holidaymakers.
Britons make up the largest group of non-Spanish visitors to Benidorm.
More than 700,000 Britons visited the popular resort in 2022, with Portuguese tourists totalling just 50,000.
The focus tomorrow will very much be on English visitors.
However, earlier this week, a group of predominantly Northern Irishmen and women held July 12 celebrations to mark the Battle of the Boyne on Spanish soil.
Hundreds of people were seen flying the Union flag, donning orange and beating drums.