Authorities on the Costa del Sol have denied claims that tourists will be fined for urinating in the sea, instead saying they are allowed to relieve themselves while swimming.
Previous Marbella Councillors Declared bathers will face fines of up to 750 euros if they are caught performing “physiological evacuations in the sea and on the beach.”
Anyone caught more than once in the space of a year could face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,2700), while a third offence could result in fines of up to €3,000.
The proposals have angered locals and tourists alike, who have questioned whether money should be spent on policing the problem.
But a city council spokesman has since clarified the proposals, saying the new law “does not impose a penalty for urinating in the sea”.
They said the Guardian:’It will not be applicable. The ordinance regulates possible antisocial infractions on the beach, just as they are regulated in any public space such as city streets.’
Anyone caught more than once in the space of a year could face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,2700), while a third offence could lead to fines of up to €3,000.
Councillors at the southern Spanish holiday resort have said bathers will face fines of up to €750 if they are caught carrying out “physiological evacuations in the sea and on the beach”
The measure was initially ridiculed – “Who is going to find the guilty ones, the jellyfish?”, asks an incredulous person interviewed about Mario Picazo’s measure for the Spanish television program ‘Tiempo al tiempo’, according to the media. The mail.
“Let them worry about other things. This is idiotic!” said another.
“What would a police officer be looking for? You don’t see it, I don’t understand anything.”
Other media outlets openly criticised the measure, stating that urinating in the sea was “one of the most widespread customs in our country”.
Despite the scandal, the measure has been in force in Malaga since 2004, although with much lighter penalties.
Currently, bathers can be fined up to 300 euros if they are caught urinating on the beach.
But these fines would increase considerably if the new legislation is approved, along with a series of other measures.
These include a series of new restrictions limiting ball games and paddle boards to parts of beaches where these activities could be deemed to “disturb other beach users.”
Bathers will also have to obtain authorisation from the competent authorities before holding any party, public event or competition on the 25 beaches in Marbella affected by the regulations.
Brits looking to pee in the sea could have to spend an extra £635 on their Marbella holiday
Tourists show off their behinds on the beach in Spain
Tourist hotspots across Spain have cracked down on bad behaviour in the run-up to summer
In Magaluf, one of the best-known and most popular party destinations among Britons, tourists are now subject to draconian laws banning drinking on the streets or buying alcohol from corner shops after 8.30pm.
Marbella24hours Later, other restrictions were announced, which will prohibit leaving umbrellas or parasols on the sand to reserve a space on the beach, and leaving cigarette butts, rubbish and food scraps on the sand.
Parking of caravans or motorhomes on the beach will also be prohibited when it “contravenes applicable traffic regulations.”
Spain’s top tourist spots have been cracking down on bad behaviour in the run-up to summer.
In Magaluf, one of the best-known and most popular party destinations among Britons, tourists are now subject to draconian laws banning drinking on the streets or buying alcohol from corner shops after 8.30pm.
Anyone breaking the rules introduced on May 11 could be fined up to €1,500 (£1,350).
If someone’s offence is found to be more serious, fines could rise to €3,000 (£2,550).
The strict new regulations also ban tourists from hosting public drinking parties, graffiti, driving scooters and displaying nudity.
They are expected to remain in place until at least 2027, at which point the regulations will be reviewed for their effectiveness and impact.
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