Stag party blow as Catalonia bans happy hours

There could be an increase in the number of stag parties heading to UK destinations after a popular area of Spain banned a major attraction.

With the pound already weak against the euro, the removal of happy hours from Catalonia pubs could act as a blow to anyone planning a stag weekend in the region.

The move was taken by the Catalan government in an attempt to solve youth alcohol problems and could be extended to the rest of Spain, according to health minister Trinidad Jimenez.

Director of public health for the region Antoni Plasencia added: "We must protect citizens and we want to impede... the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol."

Promotional offers have been banned after a unanimous decision made in parliament that could see businesses fined up to £9,200 for breaking the rules.

Despite the blow for stag parties, the move is backed by the Catalan Federation of Nightclubs, with a spokesperson explaining that it is bad for business to be giving away drinks.

Potential UK alternatives for those arranging stag weekends include Bristol, Edinburgh and Brighton.