Chiringuito in Altea - just before the harbour

Benidorm Town Hall have joined the growing trend of other local beaches and granted permission to allow the installation of "chiringuitos" - temporary kiosks on the beach, much to the anger of local bar and restaurant owners.

Yesterday, Gema Amor - Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Tourism confirmed that two permits had been granted - one will be on Mal Pas beach and the second has yet to be decided. She emphasised that beach bars are common in other municipalities and that it will not bring unfair competition as they will have to be 150 metres away from other businesses. The beaches are owned by the Coastal authority and permission can be granted so long as the relevant Council gives its approval - to date Benidorm has been against the idea.

Opposition PP Councillor Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate has been very vocal in his opposition to what he calls the vagueness of the proposal stating that it is unclear how many there will be and what they will be allowed to sell - despite the fact that it was announced that two would be opening... maybe he was having a nap!

Popular beach hut in La Olla, Altea

I can´t understand how the bar owners can be so against it though. On any street, whenever a bar or cafe opens on one corner then you can virtually guarantee that another will open on the opposite one shortly after - and there is nothing to stop them doing so. The council cannot "ban" a bar, restaurant or come to think of it an estate agent or hair salon opening just because there is already one next door - if that was the case most "High Streets" in Spain would be deserted!  At least with this proposed 150 metre rule it gives them some cushioning.

They are certainly an asset - you just need to go to one of the many in Altea and you will struggle to find a free table and chair - some even serve food.... it is all very rustic and gives you a real taste of Spain. I will certainly be popping along to one or two over the course of the Summer to enjoy a glass of something cold....