Marbella City Council Plans to Regulate Beach Use
The Marbella City Council announced on Wednesday its intention to draft an ordinance to regulate the use of beaches. The new regulation aims to reduce the number of hammocks on the coast and free up 11,500 square meters for public use, according to the governing team.
Uniforms for Beach Service Providers
One of the most notable changes the City Council wants to introduce in the new ordinance is that beach service providers, including those responsible for hammocks, will have to wear uniforms.
Mayor’s Surprising Move
Mayor Ángeles Muñoz, who has been in office for fifteen years, is now planning to organize the municipality’s coastline, a move that comes as somewhat surprising.
Preserving and Protecting Marbella’s Beaches
The governing team stated in a press release that the new regulation aims to “preserve and protect” the municipality’s beaches. They assure that these changes will not hinder tourism or the city’s development, but rather respond to citizens’ demands and add value to the quality of our coastal heritage.
Focus on Safety, Cleanliness, and Environmental Protection
The City Council maintains that the ordinance will focus on safety, cleanliness, and environmental protection. It will also regulate activities carried out on the coast, ensuring the welfare of citizens, the environmental surroundings, and the quality of services provided.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The document will also include a penalty system for non-compliance with the regulations. A significant aspect will be the authorizations of beaches, which will be subject to increased control and monitoring.
Changes to Seasonal Service Operation Plan
The plan for seasonal service operation will be modified, a requirement already set for this year, which will “allow the recovery of more than 11,500 square meters for public use.”
Reducing Hammock and Nautical Areas
To achieve this, the governing team plans to “reduce the surface area of authorizations for hammocks and nautical areas.” This measure will primarily affect the beaches of Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús, Casablanca, Fontanilla, La Venus, El Pinillo, Alicate, La Víbora, Las Chapas, and Cabopino.
Extension of Seasonal Kiosks and Terraces
Additionally, an extension will be requested for the temporality of removable benefits consisting of kiosks and seasonal terraces up to 11 months.
Approval from Beach Workers
According to the City Council, various groups working on the beaches have approved the ordinance as it is “similar to those of other coastal municipalities.”
Plan for Seasonal Services 2025-2028
In the meeting, it was also conveyed that a plan for seasonal service operation for the period 2025-2028 will be designed. This will include significant changes in the initiated line, implying a total reorganization of the coast, “combining the general interests of all citizens and sector entrepreneurs,” according to the governing team.
Upcoming Public Tenders
They were also informed about the upcoming public tenders to be carried out this year corresponding to the nautical areas, hammocks, and seasonal kiosks whose concessions have expired.
