Greece’s Revised Shoreline Use Law Takes Effect

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A joint ministerial decision on a revised shoreline use law has been published in the Government Gazette ahead of the tourism season, aiming to facilitate recreational activities including the rental of sea sport equipment, the placement of tables and chairs, umbrellas and recliners along beaches and shorelines for the public use.

The decision is in effect through to December 31, 2019.

Activities not provided for by the 17-article law, such as concerts or beach parties, will be penalized.

The ministerial decision also includes a list of participants, who took part in an online bid for the use of shoreline, beach or river bank.

Meanwhile, areas which cannot be used for recreational or other business actives as decided by the environment ministry include small island wetlands, the National Sporades Marine Park, the coastal section from Neda to the north up to the Brazeris stream to the south of Kyparissia Gulf, the Mikro and Megalo Livari wetlands on Evia and Myrtos beach on Kefallonia.

Under the law modification, the finance minister or a legally authorized body can grant concessions for the use of seashore, beach or river zone directly, quid pro quo, with the exception of public entities and management bodies of protected areas.

Municipal authorities are the beneficiaries of shoreline or seaside use of communal beaches within their territorial jurisdiction with a right to lease out to third parties.

The right to use may be granted for one or more years, but no shorter than 12 months irrespective of the actual period of use.