Illegal sunbeds, tables and chairs removed from NAOK
They were removed by a Real Estate Service team and the police. A fine of over 35,000 euros will be imposed.
The space that had been illegally occupied by a business on the NAOK beach with sunbeds, tables and chairs, without a concession, has been made available again for use by locals and visitors.
After dozens of complaints from the public, the 'Rambo' team from the Ministry of Finance carried out a coordinated operation to free the section of the beach that was illegally occupied. The business will face a hefty fine exceeding 35,000 euros.
In a previous report on 13 June, Enimerosi said that there would be surprise and sweeping inspections on the beaches and coastal areas of Corfu to ensure compliance with the regulations regarding the setup of umbrellas and chairs.
Statement from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance
A coordinated operation by the Real Estate Service of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance and the Hellenic Police was carried out on a beach at NAOK of the Municipality of Corfu in the town centre, where it was found that a section of the beach had been arbitrarily occupied by a business. This beach is used daily, among others, by elderly people and families with children who are not be able to go to other beaches.
The inspection team went into action immediately after dozens of public complaints (via phone calls as well as through the MyCoast app) and once violations were identified, in less than 24 hours, the illegally occupied space was made available again for public use as all movable objects were removed.
During the inspection, it was found that there were unauthorised occupations of four sections of the beach, with a total area of 210 square metres, without a contract. The business had placed 13 umbrellas, 46 sunbeds, 13 tables and 20 chairs.
A Topographical Diagram and an Inspection Report were immediately drafted, and a Removal Act and a Sealing Order were issued. The area was sealed off with tape, all economic activity within the space was ordered to cease, and entry was prohibited. Subsequently, the movable objects were removed at the business's responsibility. Additionally, a fine is expected to be issued to the business in accordance with the law, which is anticipated to exceed 35,000 euros.
Inspections are ongoing throughout the country, while intensive inspections are already underway in 10 areas with the highest number of complaints, and further announcements will be made in this regard.
In cases where violations are detected in the simple use concessions of coasts and beaches during inspections, the procedure includes:
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Issuing the relevant fine which, according to the new strict law enacted a few months ago, amounts to four times the fee that the business would have paid for one year if they had signed a contract.
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The immediate removal—within 48 hours—of all illegal umbrellas and sunbeds as well as structures, at the responsibility of the business. If this is not done, then the responsibility for removal falls to the Municipality.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
Photo: Ministry of National Economy and Finance
