Checks and fines for tables and chairs taking up public space

Businesses targeted

Meanwhile, the Municipal Inspection Committee has targeted in the first phase catering businesses that, despite setting up chairs, do not possess the relevant permit for the use of public space. A total of 30 such businesses have been identified. Out of these, only 4 - 5, for the time being at least, have arranged the payment of their debts, received municipal notification, and the relevant permit, as stated by Mr. Vousólinos.

Last week, unannounced checks were carried out at approximately 10 businesses that do not have a permit for the use of public space, resulting in hefty fines ranging from 400 to 10,000 Euros. According to the law, violators are charged double the cost of the permit corresponding to their establishment. "There was occupation of space valued at 5,000 Euros. However, the fine imposed is double the prescribed fee, resulting in the fine amounting to 10,000 Euros," said Mr. Vousólinos.

According to the President of the Corfu Catering Association, Vassilis Vassilakis, the warning issued by the Municipality to professionals some time ago, urging them to comply by observing the limits and removing equipment not specified in the relevant permits, has been effective. However, he did not fail to point out that there are also some professionals who set up outdoor seating without obtaining the permit for various reasons (financial, tax-related). "The unfortunate thing is that not only do they not have a permit, but they haven't even made the move to submit the relevant application to obtain one. This is a significant mistake," commented Mr. Vassilakis.

Regarding the Municipality's intention to include the condition of mandatory removal of outdoor seating on specific days in these permits, he stressed that since it will be stated in the permit, the payment provided by professionals to obtain it should be adjusted to the period they will use it.

Checks begin at tourist establishments

Next week, inspections are expected to commence in tourist establishments mainly operating in the old town to determine whether the spaces occupied by goods and stalls are specified in the permits. In fact, there was a meeting between the Municipal Authority and the shopkeepers' association last week regarding this matter.