Sweeping control checks are in progress by Greek Police identify violators who have illegally occupied beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas thus hindering free sea access to beach-goers. The controls have already led to several arrests on seven Greek islands.
During the three-day period, from 4 to 6 August 2023, in the Cyclades and Ionian Islands, 16 people were arrested as owners/responsible/legal representatives of facilities, for which it was found that they violated the above provisions, the Police said ini a statement.
Specifically, the violations related to the occupation of the beach with umbrellas and sunbeds without a permit from the competent authorities, exceeding the permit by occupying additional space from the one granted, use of space that falls under the protective provisions of archeology and obstructing access to the sea by placing umbrella seats at a distance of less than 5m. from the coastline.
Mykonos
A business manager was arrested for having placed 26 sets of umbrella seats on a beach in an area of 300 sq.m. lacking a relevant license,
The manager of a health store was arrested who had placed a set of umbrella seats in a 300 sq.m. area. lacking a relevant license,
The manager of a facility was arrested as he had placed 133 sets of umbrella seats on a beach in an area of 1,100 square meters. exceeding by 600 sq.m. the beach use permit,
A business manager was arrested who had placed 65 sets of umbrella seats in an area of 1000 sq.m., wooden floor 80 sq.m. with a bar on it 20 sq.m., 2 product storage areas 20 sq.m. and wooden pergola 80 sq.m. and was lacking a relevant license.
Syros
The owner of a store of health interest [beach bar, tavern etc] was arrested for using the seafront in excess of 10 sq.m. of the relevant license, while in addition he had placed 7 sets of umbrella seats at a distance of less than 5m. from the coastline thus preventing free public access to the sea.
The manager of a health store who had placed 10 sets of umbrella seats at a distance of less than 5m was temporarily arrested. from the coastline thus preventing free public access to the sea,
The owner of a store of health interest was arrested, who used the seafront in excess of 10 sq.m. of the relevant license, while in addition he had placed 10 sets of umbrella seats at a distance of less than 5m. from the coastline thus preventing free public access to the sea.
Milos
The manager of a health store was temporarily arrested for placing 41 sets of umbrella seats, 20 sunshade structures and 17 “pouf” type seats with 5 tables in a demarcated zone of an archaeological site, without the relevant permits.
The manager of a health store was temporarily arrested for placing 35 sets of umbrella seats and a bench with 2 chairs in a demarcated zone of an archaeological site, without the relevant permits.
Serifos
Arrested was the owner of a mobile canteen for having placed wooden umbrellas and sunbeds on the sand without a relevant permit.
Zakynthos
A restaurant-bar manager who had installed 30 sets of umbrella seats without a license was temporarily arrested.
A restaurant-bar owner who had installed 60 sets of umbrella seats without a license was arrested.
A restaurant-bar owner who had installed 30 sets of umbrella seats without a license was arrested.
Corfu
The manager of a health store was arrested for installing 10 sets of umbrella seats without a license.
Kefalonia
The owner of a health store was arrested for installing 15 sets of umbrella seats without a license.
In all cases, the co-competent authorities have been informed so that they will take up their own further actions.
Targeted controls to observe legality at beaches will continue, the Police said in its statement.
It should be recalled that the government woke up and finally took action after the “Free Public Beaches” civic movement started to spread across the country.
Note that the illegal occupation of beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas has been practicing for ….ages.
*thumbnail picture: archive