AD launched the Free Beaches Campaign about a month ago and called on the authorities to reign in excessive sun-bed operations. However, nothing concrete seems to have

happened since then, AD said in a statement.

The fact that the Lands Department, the Malta Tourism Authority, Mellieha local council and the police have committed themselves to remedy the crammed situation created by

the excessive beach furniture at Ghadira Bay was positive, but now there is a need for decisive enforcement, said AD.

AD’s environment and rural affairs spokesman Mark Causon said he hoped that this was not another case of lots of talk but no decisive enforcement.

“We insist that beach furniture should only be available when requested by the client and no area of our beaches should be occupied by any kiosk or beach establishment”, Mr Causon said.

“Another summer has nearly passed and no real action has yet been taken. We note that the Director of Lands in the Justice Ministry has confirmed that kiosk operators can only place beach gear on the sand when a client requests it. But instead of laying down the furniture on request, kiosk operators are placing a considerable amount of beach furniture on the sand early in the morning ready for hiring, taking up most of the front part of the sandy beach”.

The operators had been warned twice, the statement said, and in order for the authorities to be taken seriously, there is a need for fines to be imposed on these offenders. “If this abuse persists, permits should be withdrawn”. AD also called on the authorities to ensure full access to the foreshore on all beaches in the island.

“The Maltese coastline is too limited for the authorities to allow the development of exclusive and private beaches like the one developed in Marfa. The public has a legal right to access the first ten metres of the foreshore. AD will continue to insist that access to all beaches should remain free,” the statement concluded.