Holidaymakers hoping to bag the best sunloungers on the beach could land themselves with more than a healthy glow – as Spanish authorities impose a ban on leaving towels out, express.co.uk reports.
For years, Brits have joked about the race to the pool-side or the beach to stop the Germans from hogging all the best sun beds.
But the Spanish have had the last laugh after threatening to fine tourists who leave their towels on the beach to reserve a spot.
Officials say Spain’s golden coastline has been blighted by the early risers reserving the best places on free beaches – claiming they then only return to the beach hours later to make the most of their top spot.
Now more and more regions along the Mediterranean coast are adopting new regulations to prevent the early morning towel wars.
José Manuel Prieto, the deputy Mayor of coastal town Gandia, said: “We have decided to go one step further and have asked the local police to remove items that occupy a public place from the early morning on and make it a private place this way.”
The small town, which increases from 75,000 to 300,000 inhabitants during summer, is just one of many Spanish resorts that have adopted such rules.
Vast improvement
But even the announcement of the restriction has seen a vast improvement according to the Spanish newspaper “El País”, as parasols and umbrellas have disappeared from the beach in fear they will be confiscated by police.
Authorities said they will fine those who breach the ban 720 euros.
Spain is not the the only Mediterranean country to impose a ban on reserving sun loungers.
Earlier this month, Italy also announced fine of up to £170 on some beaches in a scheme called Operation Sea Safe.
In Cecina, Tuscany, it has actually been made a crime to leave any unattended belongings on the beach before 8.30am, but the rules appear to vary from place to place.
Source: TornosNews
