The spread of rented lounge chairs on Greece's beaches brings a pledge to increase inspections
Greece’s finance minister has promised to step up inspections of beach bars and other businesses renting out seaside sunbeds and umbrellas
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece's finance minister promised Wednesday to intensify inspections of beach bars and other businesses renting out seaside chaise lounges and umbrellas, following complaints that non-paying island beachgoers can't find a spot on the sand.
Finance Minister Costis Hadzidakis issued a statement saying breaches of the law will not be tolerated. “I have given instructions ... for inspections to be stepped up,” he said.
Private beaches are illegal in Greece, where the constitution stipulates that all coastal strips are state property with guaranteed public access.
However, rocketing 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.
