Tourist hotspot introduces new ban with rule for 10 to 65-year-olds

A tourist hotpot in Italy has introduced a new rule that is proving controversial, with some saying it poses health and safety risks, while others support it. A number of new rules have been introduced in tourist hotspots around the world, some in order to combat overtourism and others to protect the local environment. One of the latest comes from a beach in Italy, but only applies to those aged between 10 and 65.

The beach, located on Sardinia, is considered one of the most beautiful in the region, and attracts a high volume of tourists every year who want to enjoy its natural scenery and crystal clear waters. However, many of those tourists will be banned from erecting umbrellas this year, after an environmental disaster last year caused by arson. Only families with children under 10 and older beachgoers will be allowed to have umbrellas on Punta Molentis Beach on the island’s south coast. Additionally, they will only be allowed to bring one umbrella.

Everyone else will be prohibited from erecting umbrellas and other forms of sunshade. This could well deter people from visiting the beach, especially those conscious of skin health.

The rule was introduced to remove things that could be flammable after last year’s fires. However, shade will still be available at the beach’s official lido, and prices include two loungers ranging from €25 to €40 per day.

In addition to this change, those visiting the public beach between June 5 and late October will be subject to €10 (£8.60) charges to step onto it.

A major wildfire broke out there last July as a result of arson. The blaze caused damage to cars and forced people to flee the area on boats.

It is prohibited to install umbrellas, gazebos, tents, or other shade systems,” the local authority website states. “One large umbrella is permitted exclusively for families with children up to 10 years old and persons 65 years of age or older.”

People have criticised the move, highlighting the importance of shade for sun safety. “How wonderful, a beautiful day at the beach and 20 hours in the emergency room for burns. I think they tried this ordinance before and it fried their brains,” one critical comment reads.

Another social media user argued: “All tourism to Villasimìus should be boycotted and other destinations chosen due to such a shameful measure, which doesn’t even protect public health.”

However, others were more sympathetic to the new rule. Officials said that the new ban comes as the sheer amount of umbrellas erected there last year made it difficult to evacuate during an emergency situation.

“It is essentially because of that fire and the difficulty we had evacuating the beach due to the sheer number of umbrellas set up that the commune has set up this rule,” a spokesperson for the municipality of Villasimius told CNN Thursday.

“This is also an area where the paid beach establishments are prohibited, meaning people set up umbrellas next to each other, which blocks access, causes various hazards and blocks the view of the sea, which also led to the ordinance.”