Saturday, 26th July 2008

Kings of the beach at Għadira

Carmen Aquilina, Lija

Is it or is it not against the law for beach concessions to take over all the seashore in popular bays? At Mellieħa Bay on Tuesday all the space was taken up by sun-beds and umbrellas belonging to the concessions there. Why should I pay for an umbrella when I have my own? This has been going on for years on end. Or have the owners of these beach concessions become kings of the beaches now?

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Comments

Jean Pierre Aquilina (on 27/7/08)

To add further insult, the beach beds are packed tightly together like sardines making access to the sea impossible from behind the first row of beds.

Furthermore the chimney of the Seabank hotel emits dense black smoke.

MTA please note.

Johnna Grech (on 26/7/08)

I believe I wrote a letter to the Times some years back concerning the same issue. I was physically threatened by a beach operator when I tried to move the empty beach beds that were set up not even 3 meters from the waters edge; it was early morning and the beach was still virtually empty save for the rows upon rows of already placed sun beds. I was with my young children and unfortunately was a green horn to such bullying tactics. Afterwards I investigated by calling the local authorities and I was told they had to be 10 meters off the water if they were empty beds and that indeed it was a public beach. I fear nothing has changed though.
I am glad though that some people are standing their ground and parking their own umbrellas and chairs. There is room for everyone!

L Galea (on 26/7/08)

@Alfredo Camilleri
You do not happen to have a beach concession do you?

Alfredo Camilleri (on 26/7/08)

Some people make it their life's hobby to complain on any topic under the sun. All Ms Aquilina and her friends had to do was to find a clear spot on the sand, put up her umbrella, open her sunbed and settle down for a day at the beach. If anybody approached her to remove herself from her spot, all she had to do was to ignore him/her and continue her enjoyment of the surroundings. This is a matter of first come, first served. We can't expect to go to the beach when it takes our fancy and find a choice of empty spots waiting for us to take over.

L Galea (on 26/7/08)

Congratulations to A Grech for standing up for his/her rights.

If everyone does that the mass of illegalities that are committed against us citizens on our beaches and at other places such as those committed by useless parkers and parking will come to an end or be greatly reduced.

a.cassar (on 26/7/08)

@agrech WELL DONE! if everyone stands up for their right these people will soon learn. Don't be afraid. plant your umbrellas and STAY PUT. if you're challenged tell them to call the police like Mr. Grech. I guarantee you they will not. enjoy Summer everyone.

agrech (on 26/7/08)

Some years ago, I went with some family members to Mellieha Bay. We chose an area, opened our umbrella and a guy told me that I can't do that. I said this is a public beach and if you object to my opening my own umbrella, just call the police.

He never did and we stayed put.