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Spanish tourist hotspot ‘to ban 24-hour bars’ as it brings in strict curfew

A POPULAR holiday hotspot in Spain will reportedly ban 24-hours bars as it introduces a strict curfew.

Brits jetting to Alicante will be disappointed to learn that they have to end their nights out early.

Altea, Spain coastline with buildings and mountains in the background.
Alamy
Alicante will reportedly introduce a new curfew forcing businesses to close early[/caption]

Holidaymakers flock to Spain for the hot weather, beautiful beaches and a fun night life.

Although Spaniards are known for their late dinners and partying till the early morning hours, it might not be the case anymore.

Alicante, a port city in Costa Blanca, is implementing a new curfew due to the noise complaints, according to the Olive Press.

Businesses will now be forced to close at 12.30am on weekdays and 1am on weekends.

Nightclubs and other night entertainment venues will also shut their doors earlier than before.

On weekdays, patrons will be asked to leave at 1am and on weekends parties will be cut short at 3am.

The crackdown on noise will be most severe in Old Town and the city centre close to Calle Castaño, also known as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS).

Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in these impacted areas will also be prohibited from obtaining new licenses or permits in addition to the revised schedule.

This also holds true for any other location where tourist traffic can become unmanageable, like cafés, food and drink stands, newspapers, event spaces, and karaoke bars.

Even establishments that work around the clock will be forced to close their doors between 12.30am to 7am.

During these hours, local police is expected to patrol the streets to reinforce the curfew rules and check that restaurant terraces are neatly packed up.

But the curfew will reportedly ease up around Christmas and New Year time with the exact hours yet to be confirmed by the local council.

The new restrictions come as 18million tourists passed through the Alicante-Elche airport last summer.

A whopping 5million visitors picked Alicante as their vacation destination last year.

Spain has introduced a number of strict rules across the country as it battles overcrowding while resorts are packed with tourists.

Smoking is banned on a number of beaches in Barcelona and the Canary islands, with fines up to £1,700.

Some restaurants in Majorca ban any tourists who are wearing football shirts.

And alcohol limits are in place on destinations such as Magaluf and Ibiza.

Tourists at all-inclusive resorts will only be allowed to have three drinks in the day and three in the evening.

Meanwhile, anti-tourist demonstrations have been sweeping holiday hotspots with the next protest set to happen tomorrow.

Hundreds take to the streets in high foot traffic areas, airports and major landmarks to demonstrate against overtourism, blaming holidaymakers for spiralling prices, housing shortages, overcrowded city centres and environmental issues.

Anti-tourist measures sweeping hotspots

A WAVE of anti-tourist measures are being implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism in popular holiday hotspots.

Overcrowding has become the main problem in many sunny destinations, with authorities trying to find a solution to keep tourists and locals happy.

Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels.

Earlier this year Venice became the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for holidaymakers after it started charging day-trippers €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre.

It was followed by an area in Barcelona which resorted to removing a well-used bus route from Apple and Google Maps to stop crowds of tourists from using the bus.

 Meanwhile, San Sebastián in the north of Spain, limited the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding.

The city has already banned the construction of new hotels.

The Spanish government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in Andalucia.

Benidorm has introduced time restrictions, as swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am could cost a whopping £1,000.

The Canary Islands are also considering adopting measures to regulate the number of visitors – and charge tourists a daily tax.

Greece has already enforced a tourist tax during the high season (from March to October) with visitors expected to pay from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night, depending on the booked accommodation.

Officials in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia want to introduce a fee for travellers to remind people to be courteous during their trips.

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I couldn’t afford a new patio, so used a 10p hack to transform it with flowers – it’s so colourful & stops weeds growing

A new patio in the UK typically costs between £80-£150 per square meter, but it depends on the materials and layout.

So a typical homeowner could end up paying a few hundred, to thousands to get a new one.

Amy on Facebook didn’t have that kind of money to sort her patio out.

Patio with flower planters and a small statue.
FACEBOOK
Amy’s patio slabs after sowing flower seeds[/caption]

Instead, she came up with a genius idea to transform her wonky slabs, into an area she would love.

Posting in the Facebook group Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, she said: “On a very tight budget, I couldn’t stretch to funding a new patio.

“So, last year, I bought some ground covering seeds and planted them between some of my wonky pavers.

“I’m thrilled with how they now look but, the amount of bees that have been collecting the nectar from them is incredible. I’m so pleased.”

She added a photograph of the results, showing her wonky patio slabs covered with gorgeous purple, white and blue flowers.

As for what flowers she sowed, replying to a comment, Amy said: “Mixed ground cover,” and said it “will bring new life to your garden/patio”.

She “added a little sand to the compost” which she was advised to do so by her local garden centre because “the sand stabilises the wonky pavers”.

Her post has received 11,000 likes so far and hundreds of comments.

One replied: “I absolutely love this idea! I have a horrible concrete area that I cover with benches and pots! Also have an old paved area all sunken forever taking out the weeds in between! Thank you for the great idea x.”

Someone else wrote: “I think that looks lovely & far nicer than a new boring patio, it looks how nature would have intended it to look with plants tumbling out if cracks & crevices.”

One comment read: “It looks so pretty! Love your solution and how nice that it’s attracted pollinators too.”

Another said they make a great replacement for pesky weeds: “Oh I love this. I’m going to pulled out those weeds and put in seeds.”

Someone else was keen to know if any weeds grew amongst her flowers. They asked: “That looks lovely. Do you have any problems with weeds pushing through too?”

Amy replied: “I have had a couple yes, but by and large, the flowers are winning the ‘cosy’ and limited space.”

Pink wood sorrel flowers growing in cracks in a concrete pavement.
Getty
Close up of wood sorrel growing tenaciously in concrete cracks. Symbolic of resilience and beauty[/caption]

How to grow flowers between your patio slabs

1. Clean the area

Remove any weeds or debris from the cracks between your patio slabs. A weeding tool or a stiff brush can help with this. 

Make sure the holes are at least six inches deep to help roots develop.

2. Fill with soil and compost

Use a mix of soil and compost to fill the cracks.

3. Choose your plants

Opt for low-growing, spreading plants that can tolerate foot traffic. 

Some good choices are: thyme, chamomile, creeping speedwell, dwarf mondo grass, daisies.

4. Plant

If using seeds, mix them with a little compost and sand and push them into the cracks. 

For plug plants, carefully remove and gently plant them into the cracks. Fill any surrounding gaps with compost.

5. Water

Water the seeds thoroughly and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells, until the plants are established. 

June gardening jobs

The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.

Stake out leggy perennials

With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.

Picking out the slugs and snails

Hopefully as we move into summer they  will do less damage as the plants get bigger.  The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. 

Pick elderflower heads

You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. 

Get on top of weeds

It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. 

Up the mowing

You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. 

Check on your tomatoes

Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. 

Chelsea Chop

There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.

Sort out your tulips

If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip  bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. 

Deadheading your roses

Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer. 

Enjoy your space

Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. 

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Forgotten XI of players you didn’t realise were playing Club World Cup including ex-Man Utd, Chelsea & Real Madrid stars

THE CLUB WORLD CUP is fast approaching as teams prepare to do battle in the US this month.

The expanded tournament will see 32 teams compete for the coveted trophy and a reported £100million jackpot.

FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display.
AFP
The Club World Cup is just around the corner and forgotten stars are ready to make their mark[/caption]
President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
AFP
The newly-expanded 32-team tournament takes place in the US[/caption]

The first-ever edition of the new Club World Cup format will take place in the US.

Chelsea and Manchester City are the sole representatives from the Premier League.

But there are a host of other big-name teams from around the world.

And as a result, there are numerous star players turning out — including those who have vanished from recent memory…

Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur looking dejected.
Reuters
Former Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will be hoping to make an impact[/caption]
Hugo Lloris kicking a soccer ball.
AFP
He will turn out for LAFC, who play Chelsea in their group opener[/caption]

GK: HUGO LLORIS (LAFC)

Tottenham’s former captain, 38, joined LAFC at the start of 2024 and has already cemented his place as a fan favourite.

Lloris has clocked up 67 appearances in that short time, hot on the heels of his 447 outings in London.

The World Cup-winning stopper has even landed a trophy in the City of Angels, scooping the US Open Cup in September.

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And after helping LAFC win a playoff to replace Club Leon, Lloris will be between the sticks for the Group D opener against Chelsea on June 16.

But his presence is sure to reignite the Blues’ capital rivalry with Spurs.

CB: SERGIO RAMOS (MONTERREY)

Having led Real Madrid to four Club World Cups in the past, Ramos will be feeling confident he can help Mexican side Monterrey get far this summer.

The centre-back is already captaining the team just four months after joining following spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla.

But at 39 years of age, Ramos has shown he has still got what it takes to boss a defence.

And he will need to be at his best to help Monterrey get past Inter Milan and River Plate in Group E.

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrating a goal.
Getty
Ex-Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is in town[/caption]
Sergio Ramos of Monterrey celebrating a goal.
Getty
He is now captain of Mexican side Monterrey[/caption]

CB: THIAGO SILVA (FLUMINENSE)

Once a Chelsea icon, always a Chelsea icon.

Even at 40 years old, Silva would still likely walk back into the Blues’ XI.

Instead, he is king of the hill at Fluminense, saving them from relegation in his first season.

And Silva’s know-how should help the Brazilians get out of a group which includes German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea players lifting Thiago Silva in celebration.
Getty
Thiago Silva became an icon at Chelsea[/caption]
Thiago Silva of Fluminense gesturing during a soccer match.
Alamy
The veteran is starring for Fluminense[/caption]

CB: NICOLAS OTAMENDI (BENFICA)

A two-time Premier League winner with Man City, Otamendi has gone on to win more trophies since leaving the Etihad.

Having now completed five seasons at Benfica, the 37-year-old has a Portuguese league title to boot.

And he even played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.

Otamendi is just one of several big forgotten names playing at Benfica, who are in a tough group with Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors.

Pep Guardiola comforting Nicolas Otamendi after a Manchester City match.
Reuters
Nicolas Otamendi has won plenty since leaving Man City[/caption]
Nicolas Otamendi of Sport Lisboa e Benfica looking dejected during a soccer match.
Getty
He has spent five seasons at Benfica[/caption]

RWB: JOAO CANCELO (AL-HILAL)

Once regarded as the best full-back in world football, Cancelo’s fall from grace was swift after starring at giants including Inter Milan, Juventus, Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

He is now playing in Saudi Arabia, earning a fortune with moneybags Al-Hilal.

At the age of 31, Cancelo is still playing in his prime years.

And he will be looking to inflict damage when Al-Hilal come up against reigning champions Real Madrid in Group H.

Joao Cancelo of Manchester City during a UEFA Champions League match.
Getty
Joao Cancelo will be hoping to upstage old side Man City[/caption]
Joao Cancelo of Al Hilal warming up before a soccer match.
Getty
The right-back plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia[/caption]

CM: ANDER HERRERA (BOCA JUNIORS)

It’s been six years since Herrera, 35, lit up Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt.

His tenacity in midfield endeared him to supporters while raking in FOUR trophies including the FA Cup and Europa League.

After playing for PSG and a second spell at Athletic Bilbao, Herrera now finds himself in Argentina with Boca Juniors.

But just six appearances in all competitions since his January switch means Herrera may not be guaranteed a starting spot in the US.

Ander Herrera of Manchester United in action.
Getty - Contributor
Ander Herrera won four trophies at Man Utd[/caption]
Soccer players vying for the ball.
Getty
He joined Argentine side Boca Juniors in January[/caption]

CM: RUBEN NEVES (AL-HILAL)

Why he was not snapped up by a fellow Premier League club while at Wolves remains a mystery.

Neves, 28, is only entering his prime now and continues to be a key player for Portugal.

Yet he finds himself playing in Saudi with Al-Hilal, completing a shock move two years ago before leading them to a Treble last season.

Neves would still walk into most European squads and could attract interest with some strong Club World Cup performances — but that’s only if he wants to leave the riches of the Middle East.

Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers reacts after being substituted.
Getty
Ruben Neves was a star man at Wolves[/caption]
Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal during a soccer match.
Getty
He has spent two years at Al-Hilal[/caption]

LWB: ALEX TELLES (BOTAFOGO)

A miserable time at Manchester United saw Telles, 32, fail to live up to the hype as one of Europe’s best left-footers.

After winning trophies galore at Galatasaray and Porto, he left Old Trafford empty-handed after just two years.

But he has enjoyed plenty of success since then, winning trophies at Sevilla, Al-Nassr and now Botafogo.

The Brazilian champs are coming in with a host of experienced homegrown talents and Telles’ deadly free-kicks are likely to cause some damage.

Alex Telles of Manchester United reacts to a missed chance.
AFP
It didn’t work out for Alex Telles at Man Utd[/caption]
Alex Telles of Botafogo during a soccer match.
Getty
He has helped Botafogo win the Brazilian title[/caption]

CAM: ANGEL DI MARIA (BENFICA)

Man United’s flop winger is returning to boyhood Argentina club Rosario Central this summer — but only after he leads out Benfica for the final time at the Club World Cup.

Ignoring his duff sole season in the north west, Di Maria’s record means he will go down as one of football’s most talented and decorated wingers ever.

His two years at Benfica have not yielded any trophies, however.

And Di Maria, 37, will be desperate to make amends before leaving Europe for good.

Angel di Maria of Manchester United celebrating a goal.
Getty
Angel Di Maria’s struggles at Man Utd are well documented[/caption]
Angel Di Maria of Benfica celebrating a victory.
Getty
He is leaving Benfica for Rosario Central after the Club World Cup[/caption]

ST: EDINSON CAVANI (BOCA JUNIORS)

Another former United player, Cavani will feel he did not do himself justice during his two seasons in England.

Having also struggled at Valencia, the 38-year-old is now leading the way for Argentine giants Boca Juniors

20 goals in 39 games last year showed Cavani still has an eye for goal.

And although his pace may have gone, the experienced Uruguayan’s sheer physicality and clever movement will surely see him in the mix for the Golden Boot.

Edinson Cavani of Manchester United celebrates.
PA
Edinson Cavani had a mixed two years at Man Utd[/caption]
Edinson Cavani celebrating a goal during a soccer match.
AFP
He now bangs in goals for Boca Juniors[/caption]

ST: OLIVIER GIROUD (LAFC)

Last but not least, Giroud will face off against old side Chelsea later this month.

His extra-time assist helped LAFC book their place at the tournament ahead of Club America.

Giroud has already become a talisman for his Californian side, preferring the role of creator to goalscorer.

And his cunning know-how could help the experienced poacher nick a goal when he faces off against a young Blues defence.

Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League trophy.
Getty
Olivier Giroud will face old side Chelsea in the group stage[/caption]
Olivier Giroud #9 of Los Angeles FC during a soccer match.
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He helped LAFC qualify for the tournament with a last-gasp assist[/caption]

You can watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN.

Sign up now.

Illustration of a Club World Cup Forgotten Stars XI soccer lineup.

Subs

  • GK: Sergio Romero (Boca Juniors)
  • RB: Danilo (Botafogo)
  • CB: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
  • CB: Marcos Rojo (Boca Juniors)
  • LB: Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
  • CM: Milinkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal)
  • CM: Renato Sanches (Benfica)
  • RW: Fabio Vieira (Porto)
  • CAM: Sergio Canales (Monterrey)
  • LW: Felipe Anderson (Palmeiras)
  • ST: Salomon Rondon (Pachuca)

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