The sunlounger hogging rule that could see you fined £216 in Spain this summer
SUNLOUNGER hogging is on the rise – but one spot in Spain is cracking down on it by fining holidaymakers.
These rules are being enforced by the Calpe Town Council, which affects the Costa Blanca.
Local authorities in the Spanish resort have the right to remove sunbeds, towels and parasols put on beaches before 9.30am.
Anyone who faces having their belongings taken away – they will have to pay to get them back and could face a fine of up to €250 (£216).
And it’s not just a warning about early morning starts either.
Items left unattended for more than three hours could also be taken away.
The measures are there to improve safety, cleanliness and access during peak season when beaches are at their busiest.
The rules aren’t new, having come into play two years ago.
At the time, a spokesman said in a statement on X: “This measure prohibits the indiscriminate occupation of the public domain, especially the beach, with items such as chairs, hammocks and parasols at the start of the day.
“These bad habits make it difficult to clean the beaches.
“The by-law establishes that all these items and others installed on the beaches before 9.30am can be removed and the owners reported.
“It also states that those umbrellas, chairs or hammocks that are left for more than three hours without the presence of their owners throughout the day may be removed and transferred to a municipal depot.”
Calpe is a popular spot in Alicante with sweeping beaches that have golden sand and bright blue Mediterranean waters.
Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de Levante, also known as La Fossa, and Playa Arenal-Bol.