unchecked for the past years. This demonstrates the impotence of the authorities when faced by blatant abuse.”

“While it is commendable that these services are offered to bathers, sunbed operators should not be allowed to occupy the best parts of our beaches from early morning and thus exclude bathers who are not willing to pay from choosing their spot on the beach. It is unacceptable that one of the few free sources of entertainment is being eroded through this unfair and illegal practice.”

AD is urging bathers to exercise their full legal rights and choose the best available spot on the beach. “Bathers in popular beaches like Ghadira have the full right to stay in any available spot on the beach. AD is inviting bathers whose rights are not respected by sunbed operators to contact AD’s free beaches campaign on [email protected]

AD reminds the general public that everyone has a right to access the first 10 metres of the Maltese coastline, added Causon.

On a positive note AD welcomed the fact that sunbed operators in Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla Bay in Gozo are offering these services on demand and thus are not denying access to other bathers.