Corfu historical centre again full of chairs and tables
tables chairs
23 Αυγούστου 2022
/ 21:03
CORFU. Municipal councillor Spyros Moraitis: “Capodistriou and Town Hall Square are the problem areas. The fine for the illegal occupation of public space can reach up to €5,000”.
Catering establishments continue to place chairs and tables in Corfu historical centre, thus occupying half of the street. Despite the checks that Central Corfu municipal teams are carrying out regularly, the situation is still intolerable, especially in busy areas.
The access to both residents and visitors and emergency vehicles is often being blocked, especially now that the tourist season is at its peak. This is a known problem, which is occasionally being discussed in meetings with all the bodies involved (Municipality, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police, Inspectorate of Antiquities). However, despite the warnings for stiff fines, there are still violations being made.
Even worse
According to the president of the Association of Old Town Residents Nikos Olympios, the problem with the chairs and tables is particularly intense in recent years - even more so since last year. "The catering establishments were closed due to the pandemic. Since last year the situation has become worse. The businesses have increased and the businessowners want to use the public space in front of their businesses, even though it is forbidden. We are waiting to see what will happen," he told Enimerosi.
The problem areas
The problem areas, according to the responsible municipal councillor Spyros Moraitis are mainly in the historical centre and especially in Capodistriou and the Town Hall Square. For the time being no violations are found in other areas, but there individual complaints that are being checked. "There are a number of violations for the chairs and tables and we are acting according to the law - fines or even sealing off the catering establishments. There are some areas that for various reasons get away with it. As a municipal authority we choose dialogue first. Up to a point there is tolerance. There are businesspeople who have been disciplined and others who for various reasons do not follow the law," Mr. Moraitis told Enimerosi, noting that once land use is determined the issue will be resolved.
Stiff fines
However, the fines imposed are particularly stiff, as depending on the case they can start from €1,000 and can even reach €5,000. The return of the Municipal Police is considered to be particularly important in order to address the phenomenon, something that the municipality is planning to do, but so far has not been implemented. The time, however, that remains for the current municipal authority to make it happen is running out in view of the local elections in October 2023.
The access to both residents and visitors and emergency vehicles is often being blocked, especially now that the tourist season is at its peak. This is a known problem, which is occasionally being discussed in meetings with all the bodies involved (Municipality, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police, Inspectorate of Antiquities). However, despite the warnings for stiff fines, there are still violations being made.
Even worse
According to the president of the Association of Old Town Residents Nikos Olympios, the problem with the chairs and tables is particularly intense in recent years - even more so since last year. "The catering establishments were closed due to the pandemic. Since last year the situation has become worse. The businesses have increased and the businessowners want to use the public space in front of their businesses, even though it is forbidden. We are waiting to see what will happen," he told Enimerosi.
The problem areas
The problem areas, according to the responsible municipal councillor Spyros Moraitis are mainly in the historical centre and especially in Capodistriou and the Town Hall Square. For the time being no violations are found in other areas, but there individual complaints that are being checked. "There are a number of violations for the chairs and tables and we are acting according to the law - fines or even sealing off the catering establishments. There are some areas that for various reasons get away with it. As a municipal authority we choose dialogue first. Up to a point there is tolerance. There are businesspeople who have been disciplined and others who for various reasons do not follow the law," Mr. Moraitis told Enimerosi, noting that once land use is determined the issue will be resolved.
Stiff fines
However, the fines imposed are particularly stiff, as depending on the case they can start from €1,000 and can even reach €5,000. The return of the Municipal Police is considered to be particularly important in order to address the phenomenon, something that the municipality is planning to do, but so far has not been implemented. The time, however, that remains for the current municipal authority to make it happen is running out in view of the local elections in October 2023.
