‘I worked in a Tenerife bar and there’s an underbelly that should terrify Brits’ | Travel News | Travel

The first holiday that you ever paid for yourself was probably the most memorable, most likely under £200 and the freedom of escaping to a sunny resort, filled with laughter, spicy-margaritas and a group of friends seemed like the best time ever. 

Escaping to different regions of Spain is exciting and the thrill of being away from home, parents and guardians of young adults should warn the potential harms many young people could find themseleves in abroad innocently. 

The average cocktail price in Tenerife costing 7euros (approximately £5) combined with a lively atmosphere and warm evening air, it can be easy to fall into an enhanced ‘Happy state’ or become more trusting of others around, and that is where many young people run into trouble. 

Ciara O’Loughlin, an ex-bartender revealed that being a bartender was more than mixing cocktails together, you became the life of the party. 

Whilst this may be exciting to watch whilst waiting on your beverage to be made, bartenders are usually known for “safety words” if you are deemed to be in trouble. Ciara went on to say “lively nights came with an unwritten rule that you’d drink while on duty.”

“I saw other bars involved in more sinister activities, providing a haven for dealers throughout the night. Many young workers on the strip, unaware of the serious risks”

Many young people travel to Europe in the summer months to work whilst experience the party life without having to worry about cash.

It works out to be a nice balance and not feeling left out from the fun, but as ciara points out seeing other bars involved in more sinister activities, some bartenders led drug-seeking tourists to dealers on the strip which would earn them extra cash.

This is extremely dangerous and puts both the Bartender and party-goer in potential authoritative trouble if found caught. 

The Irony of this all is the encouragement to drink while on duty but also getting fined 50euros for overdoing it meanwhile some bars were involved in risky activities, and the dangers of luring drug seekers to dealers seemed more appealing and promising of extra cash that wont be taken away for “over-doing it”

Ciara advised any young person heading abroad on their first party holiday to have fun but to stay vigilant to any potential dangers.