Costas de Tenerife has issued a new fine of €24,000 to the Arona City Council for hosting an unauthorised beach volleyball tournament in August at Los Cristianos Beach.
The event, which took place on August 22nd featured, the installation of two volleyball courts, spectator stands, and a DJ box using approximately 1,200 square metres of the beach without the necessary permits, leading to the substantial penalty.
This unauthorised setup follows previous incidents where similar structures, including sun beds, umbrellas, additional courts, and other sports equipment, were installed without approval at Los Cristianos and three other beaches. These earlier violations resulted in a separate fine of €60,000, which the municipal government has appealed.
Regulatory Framework and Municipal Response
The sanction references Article 91(a) of Law 22/1998 on Coastal Regulations and Article 192(a) of its corresponding regulations, highlighting the municipality's failure to renew necessary permits for beach services.
The Arona City Council has linked this €60,000 fine to the ongoing transfer of coastal management responsibilities from the National Coast Guard to the Canary Islands authorities. The council argues that this transition has caused significant delays and procedural uncertainties, hindering municipalities from obtaining timely approvals for beach-related activities.
In response to the latest €24,000 fine, the Arona council says that they have submitted the required documentation for sun beds, courts, umbrellas, and other leisure facilities. However, they claim that Costas has not responded due to the administrative transition, impeding the approval process and resulting in the imposition of fines.
Broader Implications for Arona
This latest sanction adds to the municipality's challenges, which include investigations by the Guardia Civil into alleged misuse of cultural materials by municipal workers and accusations of financial misconduct involving the misappropriation of fines and taxes by a municipal employee.
The unauthorised use of Los Cristianos Beach for the volleyball tournament highlights the tension between municipal activities and regulatory compliance. The fines serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to coastal regulations designed to protect marine ecosystems and maintain the natural beauty of the Canary Islands' beaches.
As the Arona Council navigates these challenges, the outcome of the appeals against the fines and the resolution of ongoing investigations will be critical in shaping the municipality's future operations and its relationship with regional authorities.
