Benidorm new rules to antagonize beach lovers
By Square Point


It is more than likely that Benidorm's beach paradise will be boycotted by many sand enthusiasts this coming holiday season if controversial proposal presented as a 73-article code of conduct will go ahead next year.

Regarded by critics of the plan as another exercise in cash squeezing from unsuspected individuals new law will slap heavy fines for activities usually associated with being on sea front.

For example building sand castles and playing ball games is to be banned except in authorised areas and will carry fines up to €150.
Romantic midnight stroll may be interrupted by city worker dispensing €750 penalties as miles of sky scraper lined beaches in town will be declared off limits from midnight to 7am.
Drinking alcohol - favourite sport of many Britons visiting the capital of package tourism and most famous for its sex and sangria antics will set you back hefty €750. Similar reward awaits on those hoping for steamy encounter in the sand.

However there is a lot of logic to some of the new regulations as they are designed to crack down on polluting the beaches by the visiting masses. Each year over 3 million tourists descend over Spain's tackiest town producing a sizeable amount of rubbish.
For that reasons heavy machines are used to clean the sand every morning and city fathers are concerned with the safety of young people sleeping if off on the beach after eventful night out.
There are other environmental issues cited by city council: urinating in the sea, fishing in local waters and littering the area with advertising leaflets. Most definitely traditional "hogueras" or bonfires popular at summer parties are off the menu unless you are ready for €1100 penalty.

New code of acceptable behaviour was announced last month and as it was given initial approval by city authorities will be implemented from next year.
Locals including club owners relying heavily on tourist trade are not amused.
Steve and Helen Hezzle, British owners of beachfront bar, said: "People come on holiday to relax.
"Kids love to build sandcastles, play ball and swim. Families will just not bother and this will have a knock-on effect on everyone in Benidorm. This will not help the tourist trade"


Posted in: Environment by bubblejam at 04:26 AM | Comments (0) | Email This Entry

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