Despite the regional directive handed down by the Junta de Andalucía to close beaches from 21.30h each evening, the Costa Tropical will not be changing anything.

Before continuing it is worth pointing out the difference between a government directive and government regulation; i.e. a law. The latter comes into full effect upon being passed whilst the former gives a target date for a lesser authority to impose through its own legislation; that is to say, bylaws.

Ever since June, Almuñécar has had in place a bylaw closing beaches to the general public from 23.00h to 09.00h. Exceptions are maintenance and cleaning workers, as well as night anglers possessing a suitable permit.

Salobreña brought in such a bylaw at the beginning of summer, too, limiting beach usage to daytime use: from 10.00h to 21.00h.

Motril, on the other hand, has never had a usage limitation depending on the time, nor will it impose one now. The Town Hall reasons that there are fewer beachgoers at the moment compared with the summer, including in the evening after dark.

In the case of Castell de Ferro, the Mayor, Antonia Antequera, says that she doesn’t have sufficent policing to enforce such a measure.

The Junta directive published in the official regional gazette (BOJA) states: town halls will have to take measures to close beaches for leisure activities, exempting fishing and other solitary activities between 21.30h and 07.00h and with the exception of bars and restaurants, which will close complying with the present established times.

Therefore, the directive will effectively change things very little as they presently stand on the Costa Tropical.

(News: Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)