AP: Angry Greeks take back public beaches as movement grows and State reacts

Associated Press reports that the spread of the take back public beaches movement in rebellion against private interests blocking access and charging for renting sunbeds and umbrellas has spurred Greece’s government into promising violators would be punished.

The ruling New Democracy has, like previous governments, done little to prevent the takeover of public beaches that have proliferated, especially on islands, in a bid to lure more foreign tourists, enriching the companies using public lands.

Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis promised to intensify inspections of beach bars and other businesses renting out seaside chaise lounges and umbrellas, following complaints people not paying were being blocked out.

He issued a statement saying breaches of the law will not be tolerated. “I have given instructions … for inspections to be stepped up,” he said. But it won’t be quick, as there are several layers of enforcement and the companies seizing the beaches can appeal in court.

Private beaches are illegal in Greece, where the constitution stipulates that all coastal strips are state property with guaranteed public access but in practice that’s been ignored by successive governments.

But rising numbers of vacationers in the tourism-reliant country have driven up demand for beaches offering sun loungers, shelters, refreshments, snacks, and – all too often – loud music, and essentially barring those who won’t pay.

Local authorities lease limited sections of beaches to entrepreneurs who bring in the amenities during the summer months and in some cases charge customers more than 100 euros ($109) for an umbrella and a pair of chaise lounges.

On many Greek islands, it’s now difficult to find a beach without the rentals during the height of the summer tourist season, and a movement to take back the beaches that began on Paros is spreading.

WHERE’S THE BULLDOZERS?

Protest groups on some popular Aegean Sea resort islands, including Naxos and Serifos, said some entrepreneurs often far exceed the scope of leases, taking up entire beaches and even banning non-paying visitors from the beach.

Greek media have dubbed the protests “the beach towel revolt,” referring to the items beachgoers brought with them to sit on before the spread of rented chairs, and the country’s top prosecutor ordered an investigation after the complaints.

The Finance Ministry’s statement said three companies active on two Paros beaches were found in breach of their lease agreements and will be ordered to leave but there was no word whether that was ignored as has happened before.

The government “will not exempt anyone” from inspections to ensure that beach bars and related food facilities are following regulations and not blocking the public’s free access at any beach, Hatzidakis said.

There were reports that demolition orders were being prepared although previously some unlawful businesses on beaches were razed others were allowed to stand and more popped up.

The problem is especially acute on Rhodes, where most beaches have been taken over and where the island was filled with tourists before July wildfires drove many of them to flee and return home.

Some residents on the islands started the so-called Umbrella network to publicize the unlawful takeover of beaches but little resulted in local governments and officials not intervening to stop the practice.

Those on Paros came out in the hundreds to occupy the beaches being taken over to publicize the extent of the illegality that has been allowed for years, especially along Athens’ coast where many public beaches are essentially blocked off.

The government didn’t say what it would do about luxury resorts that have taken over beaches that Hatzidakis said are public but anger and frustration is growing on the islands.