Greece is using drones to crack down on illegally placed sunbeds on Greek beaches after citizen complaints of businesses arbitrarily taking over public spaces.
In the past few years, Greek public beaches have literally been overtaken by fly-by-night businesses placing sunbeds and umbrellas on beaches and charging for services for which they have no permit.
Local authorities have been flooded by complaints of citizens who see their favorite public beaches occupied by unauthorized businesses. There have even been complaints of people who were bullied by personnel of said businesses to pay or leave a given beach.
This phenomenon is especially out of control on popular Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Corfu, and Rhodes among others.
As a result, citizens formed a group called “The Beach Towel Movement” that is actively participating in demonstrations against the illegal takeover of Greek beaches. Another activist group by the name “Free Beaches for All” followed with the same initiative.
Illegal seaside businesses
Although the Constitution says that Greek beaches are public property, laws regarding coastal use are so complicated that deceitful individuals have found loopholes to circumvent these and “privatize” public beaches to their benefit.
Local authorities, such as municipalities, have jurisdiction over the coastal areas that belong to them. They are responsible for issuing permits to businesses on beaches. However, from the moment one obtains a permit to operate such a business, the law can be bent at will. For instance, one can obtain a license for a food cart and use that license to operate a beach bar, adding tables, chairs, sunbeds, and umbrellas. They can charge money for the use of public space at the expense of beach goers.
After one obtains a permit and illegally proceeds to abuse the permit, the individual can bribe inspectors and local authorities to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities. This is often the case with coastal businesses.
Mitsotakis vows to crack down on illegal sunbeds
In March, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed to crack down on the illegal exploitation of the coastline.
The Greek government is now using drones to detect public beaches overtaken by umbrellas and sunbeds. Beaches on the Athens Riviera, popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu among others, and tourist hot spots are being targeted.
The new legislation was introduced by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance in March. Citizens assist drones to locate illegal operations on public beaches across Greece with the MyCoast digital app.
The new law dictates that Greek beaches must be 70 percent sunbed-free or 85 percent for those in protected areas, where construction is now strictly limited as well.
Establishments that use or rent sunbeds must have a permit to do so. This can be acquired through online auctions. Permit holders are also responsible for keeping beaches clean and accessible, using proper signage. They must ensure there is a lifeguard present.
