Know Your Rights at the Beach: Food and Beverage Freedom

Here we go again. Every summer, the same old story. Many people write to Tp24's editorial staff because there are beach resort managers who prohibit the introduction of "food and beverages" from outside the premises, displaying signs, messages, and circulars to enforce this rule. So, you have your beloved (in every sense) beach umbrella, but you can't bring sandwiches or salads from home; you're required to purchase your refreshments at the beach bar, often at double the average price and of questionable quality.

But is it really like that? Let's repeat it once more: no. According to Article 822 of the Civil Code, the beach is public property, belonging to the State's Demanio (public domain), even if it's granted under concession to beach establishments. Everyone, whether on a private beach or a public one, can eat whatever they want; the essential rule, as always, is not to disturb others. Beach resort managers indeed have a ridiculously priced concession to place beach umbrellas and sunbeds for resale, but they don't own the beach; it remains public domain, and just as the right of passage exists, there are other rights for everyone, such as the right to eat what they please.

Someone might argue, "But the contract I signed to rent the beach umbrella explicitly states this prohibition, what does that mean?" It means it's a clause against the law. Resort managers can write it, but they can't force you to consume at their kiosk. Moreover, they cannot "spy" on whether you carry cooler bags or, as some have complained, perform searches and inspections as if we were at an airport. In fact, resort managers could face criminal charges for such behavior.

All beachgoers have the obligation to keep the beach clean and tidy—it belongs to everyone, let's remember that. Unfortunately, piles of rubbish and dirt can often be seen, and there are even beach resorts that don't allow for waste separation, which should be fined accordingly.

So, let's recap: beach resort managers cannot prohibit you from bringing and consuming meals from home. The "lido" is simply the holder of a concession to occupy a space, and it's fair that they charge for this, but they cannot dictate what customers can or cannot bring from home. No beach resort manager can compel customers to purchase food and beverages within their premises. Remember, you have the right to enjoy your beach experience on your terms, as long as you respect the rights of others and keep the beach clean for everyone's enjoyment.