Precedent-setting fine in Italy: 500 euros for vacationers who leave a towel on the beach "to reserve a good spot"
Italian authorities are cracking down on the practice of reserving spots on public beaches with towels and objects. Bathers who leave equipment unattended risk having it confiscated and a fine of up to 500 euros. Enforcement is already underway: in Castelbattuta, 200 items were confiscated, in Campomarino 170, and at Micenci beach hundreds. Inspectors cleared about 40 items from one beach. An expert explains that the laws are meant to ensure free access to the public coastline.
Italian authorities have begun enforcing fines against vacationers who leave towels and objects on public beaches to reserve a good spot in their absence. Those caught risk having their equipment confiscated and a fine of up to 500 euros. Enforcement is already underway: inspectors cleared about 40 abandoned items from one beach, including chairs, tables, and umbrellas, some left unattended for more than half a day. In nighttime enforcement operations in July in Castelbattuta in Campania, 200 items were confiscated, in Campomarino in Campobasso 170, and at Micenci beach in Sicily hundreds. Graziano Gagliardi, CEO of Private Italy Tour, explained that the laws are meant to ensure free access to the public coastline and prevent informal appropriation of the best parts. He stressed that those who go for a short swim and leave a towel for a short time will not be fined. The increased enforcement comes after similar cases in Croatia, where inspectors began collecting abandoned equipment on beaches.