Shoreline Use Bill in Greece Open for Public Consultation

A shore line use bill which foresees among others a platform where interested parties can apply for beach use auctions is now open for public comment, the Greek Economy & Finance Ministry announced.

The ministry says that legislation – dubbed “Terms for the Utilization of Public Property in Coastal Areas” – is to put to the best possible use all public properties, ensure free access to the country’s beaches, protect the environment, carry out inspections and impose penalties in case of violations.

The action follows dozens of complaints for public beach violations, which have resulted in hundreds of public beaches in Greece being covered by umbrellas, sunbeds and bars.

Among others, the draft law abolishes the possibility of direct assignment of seaside properties for lease, increases rental fees, and sets out minimum distance and size terms.

The new regulations also include provisions for the protection of beaches based on a classification system; ensuring free access to beaches; transparent online concession tenders; a set of new safety and environmental protection requirements for concessionaires; more effective inspections; a simplified system for citizens’ complaints; and stricter penalties for violations.

“We are decisively moving ahead with the implementation of a modern, European framework that sets out rules for the utilization of public property on coastal areas, ensures free citizen access to beaches; and protects the environment,” said Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

“From now on there will be ‘untouched beaches’, beach concessions will be carried out through e-tenders, beach concessionaires will have strict obligations; inspections will be carried out with drones and advanced technologies; penalties will be very severe and may include sealing off businesses,” he said. “We are putting in place rules to combine environmental protection with the rational development and upgrading of the country’s tourism product.”

Last year, the country’s Supreme Court ordered an investigation into reports that  bars were occupying and operating illegally on a number of beaches. The decision came after residents and holidaymakers called on the government to take immediate action for the rightful return of beaches to the people. Starting from Paros, the “Paros Citizens’ Movement for Free Beaches”, the so-called ‘Towel Movement’,  extended to other parts of Greece, including Thasos, Corfu, Crete, and Halkidiki.

The bill is open to public comment until 11pm on February 14 here.