‘Rambo’ squads coming to Corfu for unannounced inspections on beaches for sunbeds and umbrellas

Unannounced, sweeping inspections on Corfu beaches and coast are expected in the near future by 'Rambo' squads from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance to ensure compliance with the law regarding sunbeds and umbrellas by the concessionaires. "What happened in Rhodes, will also happen in Corfu,' the Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Omiros Tsapalos, told Enimerosi, adding that it is only a matter of time before mass inspections take place on the island.

The Ministry has already created a comprehensive inspection mechanism with mixed teams and joint inspection groups, consisting of its own officials, the Property Service, municipalities, AADE, the Financial Police, ELAS, and prosecutorial authorities.

According to Mr. Tsapalos, the inspections will also rely on complaints submitted by members of the public on the mycoast.gr platform to determine whether there is any overstepping of the concessions for the placement of sunbeds and umbrellas, with the aim of ensuring free access for the public to the beaches. Penalties escalate depending on the severity of the violation and include hefty fines, business closures, and bans on participation in auctions. However, the Ministry’s spokesperson told Enimerosi that, for now, there are only a few public complaints from Corfu on the platform.

Online auctions

Meanwhile, the new procedure legislated by the Ministry of Finance for the concessions of beach and coastline use is in full swing across the entire country, now conducted exclusively through the special platform https://eauctions.gsis.gr.

According to Mr. Tsapalos, the numer of online auctions is expected to exceed a total of 1,200 this year. So far, 800-850 auctions have been completed, with beaches being awarded to the businesses that paid the highest amount. The remaining auctions were deemed unsuccessful and are being re-auctioned with the aim of completing the procedures by June 28. He clarified that high demand from interested parties has been recorded in both Corfu and the other Ionian islands.

The relevant calls for interest for the online auctions of simple use concessions for coastlines and public beaches for sunbeds and umbrellas in areas of the three municipalities of the island have long been posted by Corfu Property Service. Where auctions were unsuccessful, they have been re-auctioned. These postings specify, besides the minimum bid, the contract duration, the total area of the concession, and the exact coordinates where sunbeds and umbrellas will be placed. The minimum bids, in some cases, are staggering - reaching thousands of euros per year.

Examples in North Corfu:

• Kavvadades: Agios Georgios 3, total area of 498.60 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €9,972.00/year (€19,944.00 for two years)

• Avliotes: Agios Stefanos, total area of 499.98 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €12,499.50/year (€24,999.00 for two years)

• Agios Panteleimon: Almyros, total area of 495.92 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €9,918.40/year (€19,836.80 for two years)

• Kassiopi: Votana, total area of 499.18 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €7,075.88/year (€14,151.75 for two years)

South Corfu:

• Chlomos: Sandy Beach, total area of 474.35 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €26,108.00/year (€52,216.00 for two years)

• Agios Matthaios: Halikounas 1, total area of 498.55 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €6,082.31/year (€12,164.62 for two years)

Central Corfu:

• Kato Garouna: Agios Gordios, total area of 297.27 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €6,242.67/year (€12,485.34 for two years)

• Gouvia: Gouvia 2, total area of 99.25 sq.m., for the purpose of concession for umbrellas and sunbeds, with a starting price of €3,852.89/year (€7,705.78 for two years)

Tight framework

Concessionaires are required to ensure that at least 50% of the beach remains free and that the area of each concession does not exceed 500 square metres. The sunbeds and umbrellas can occupy up to 60% of the concession or 30% for beaches located in Natura areas that have not been designated as untouched. Additionally, sunbeds and umbrellas must be at least four metres away from the sea for new concessions, while for existing ones, the old rule of three metres from the sea still applies. The obligations also extend to the free, unobstructed, and safe passage of the public with special provisions for people with disabilities, the presence of a lifeguard (if not covered by the local municipality, for new concessions), etc.

There are already 6,500 active contracts nationwide from previous years, which do not require a new auction until their rental period is completed.

Spectacularly High

According to Mr. Tsapalos, there is a sense that the revenues from the auctions are spectacularly high due to increased competition. A significant portion of these revenues will end up in the municipalities' coffers. Based on the new law, 60% of the state's revenue from the concession of simple use is allocated to the local municipality, while the remaining 40% remains in the state's coffers.

Sunbeds and umbrellas 'made of gold'

However, trips to organised beaches in Corfu are expensive this year as well. In many cases, bathers will need to dig deep into their pockets to rent a set of sunbeds and umbrellas due to price increases, while in cases where there have been no increases, prices remain high. Price variations are observed from area to area. Indicatively, on the beaches of South Corfu, sets cost €10 compared to €8 last year, in Central Corfu from €12 to €60, and in North Corfu, €15.

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI

Photo: pixabay