What does the legal framework for utilizing public property in seaside areas to enjoy the beaches Safely, the Association of Consumer Workers of Greece recall.
As stated in a statement EUKEthe law on the utilization of public property in the coastal areas contains important issues in relation to the delineation of the seaside, the terms and conditions for the granting of the use of coasts and beaches, the liabilities of the contractors and the treatment of violations by imposing penalties (5092/2024).
More specifically, the ECEK states:
First of all, the law clearly points out that if a private property is inserted between the seashore and the public route, the owner, the usufructuary and the lawyer, provide free passage for stingy and safe access from the public route, in accordance with urban legislation. There is therefore an obligation to keep free access to the seashore, and, in the event of a free access, a fine of 2,000 to 60,000 euros is provided.
Concerning the issue of the granting of seas and beach sections for economic exploitation and tourism use, the aim of the new law is to set specific limits to cover the utilized department.
In order to avoid issues of over -coverage of the beach so the bathers cannot exploit its free part, the law prohibits the granting of more than 50% of the total area of each beach, a percentage that is reduced to 30% for Natura areas. In addition, the supreme area of each concession is set at 500 sqm, while only 60% of the grade (30% for Natura areas) are allowed to place umbrella, sunshine, etc., in addition, it is necessary between the sections that are given to 6 meters or 6 meters. meters or when the total area of the seashore is less than 150 sqm.
Further, the law establishes for concessions some minimum obligations aimed at uninterrupted public access to the beach as well as facilitating complaints. In particular, concessioners are required to:
- a) To ensure the free, unhindered and safe passage of the public to the seashore and the beach, especially for the access of people with disabilities and people with mobility problems.
- (b) Keep the granted area of seashore and beach every day, clean,
- d) Post in a prominent spot on the seashore or beach with the concession coordinates, the concession decision number, the rights and obligations of the public and the concessionaire, as well as a unique QR Code for each concession,
- (e) To place hygiene facilities and infrastructure (eg shower, changing rooms), to serve bathers,
- (f) To ensure that maintain the balance of the ecosystem of the space, such as maintaining the morphology of the coast and coastline,
- g) To ensure the presence of a lifeguard and the installation of Seatracks if this obligation is not covered by the municipality concerned,
- (h) Remove any equipment (umbrellas, etc.) at the end of the use period (as a rule of summer) as well as at the end of the concession contract they must deliver the space clean to its original state.
Since a concessionaire does not comply with those obligations derived from the law and his contractual obligations, the Convention may be terminated by the assignment. Further, in the event of an arbitrary beach occupation, a fine of 4 times the exchange would be paid by the company if it had a concession contract based on the minimum price provided by the legislative framework, while issuing a sealing and discontinuation of the business implemented within 24 hours. On the other hand, if there is a concession contract but the space is exceeded, a fine of 4 times the exchange corresponding to the additional extent occupied.
EKEKE calls on consumers when they find irregularities to denounce them.