The incidents of lawlessness on the Greek islands involving businesses seem endless, as they have recently faced legal issues.
Last summer, Mykonos was prominently featured on the list of islands where legislation regarding beach use remains unenforced. However, despite the arrests and fines imposed, as well as the tightening of the legislative framework regarding unauthorised occupation of beaches, offenders continue to trade in these areas.
Such is the case of Paradise Resort Mykonos, which was found to unlawfully occupy a beach area significantly larger than the approved one, based on the concession agreement at Kalamopodi in Mykonos.
The business, which is only supposed to use 355.8 square metres, was found to occupy an area approximately four times larger, namely 1,204.20 square metres.
As a result, the authority of the Ministry of Finance proceeded with the revocation of the lease agreement for use of the beach.
About a year ago, members of the Greek Police had arrested four individuals for working without a permit at the Paradise Resort Mykonos beach bar.
The legal representative of the company had, at the time, stated that the work was taking place on his instructions and that he did not have the necessary permit from authorities.
The new legislative framework
The recently passed legislative framework (Conditions for the use of public property in coastal areas and other provisions) provides for the “anonymization” of the beach and coastline leasing process through electronic auctions, strengthening transparency and citizens’ ability to monitor “umbrella” operations, addressing “blocks” of leases in areas where there are continuous, adjacent beach businesses, as well as tightening fines for offenders, even those obstructing access.
Additionally, a new process for designating beaches and coastline is provided.
The process will be handled by a committee formed for each regional unit and will include two officials from the Land Registry, the Port Authority, a government geologist, and the head of urban planning.
After determining the boundaries of the beach, coastline, and any existing old coastline, the draft law allows for the expropriation of any pre-existing private property rights.
