The Coastal Authority of Tenerife has started procedures against Urbanización Playa Fañabé SA for the unauthorised occupation of public maritime land on Fañabé Beach, in Costa Adeje, and illegally operating beach kiosks, including “Le Club” and other facilities in a protected natural area.
Efforts to notify the company privately, headed by Roberto Ucelay, former president of the Southern Tenerife Business Circle (Cest), failed, prompting the authorities to issue a public notice.
Ucelay, who stepped down from his position as business leader just over a year ago after eight years in office, manages the company alongside family members, with a capital of €2.1 million.
The proposed fine totals €35,520 reflecting the seriousness of the illegal occupation. Authorities discovered that the company had set up various structures covering 1,776 square metres of the beach without proper authorisation. These included 221 sun loungers, 134 umbrellas, 91 Balinese beds, six pedalos, and several permanent kiosks and terraces, including:
- "Le Club" kiosk (7x7 metres) with a terrace (8x10 metres)
- "Torviscas Beach Club" kiosk (7x7 metres) with a terrace (6x6 metres)
- "Fiji" kiosk (7x7 metres) with a terrace (4x8 metres)
These popular beachside locations are some of the busiest venues in the south of Tenerife as they are located on the Fañabé and Torviscas beaches, and have been operating for over 10 years, frequently used for fiestas and celebrations by both tourists and locals with DJs and loud music.
Urbanización Playa Fañabé now have 15 working days to review the case and submit any appeals. Should the company fail to address the legal issues, authorities may order the dismantling of the illegal structures and temporarily shut down the businesses.
This action is part of ongoing efforts to preserve protected coastal areas and ensure that local businesses comply with environmental regulations.
