Major Spanish hotel chain takes drastic step to stop fights between Brit & German tourists over sunbeds

A MAJOR Spanish hotel chain has introduced a “40 minute” rule for sunbeds in a bid to stop disputes between German and British guests.

Bosses at The Zafiro hotel group remove towels and replace them with notes if a guest leaves a towel down for longer than 40 minutes.

The notice, which is written in English, German, and Spanish, informs holidaymakers that personal belongings will be taken by lifeguards to ensure “all our customers can benefit from the sunbeds”.

It reads: “If this note will be still here in 40 minutes on your sunbed, we will remove your towels and personal items.

“You can pick up all at the lifeguard (The hotel assumes no liability for the loss of towels or personal items.”

Early risers at one of the chain’s hotels in Can Picafort, Mallorca - which is popular with Brits - were shocked to see the new notice when they arrived at the resort this week.

Other hotels have tried to combat the issue with a one hour sunbed rule or security who patrol the pool area to break up disputes.

Last year 32.6 per cent of international travellers who visited the Balearic Islands came from Germany, with 4.3 million German tourists compared to 3.4 million Brits.

The Sun contacted The Zafiro hotel group for comment.