At least for the moment, the beach ‘chiringuitos’ in Andalucía will remain exactly where they are as the various parties in the dispute move closer to an agreement on the future of such establishments.
The stance adopted by the Department of Coasts has changed somewhat, mainly as a result of input by the Secretary of State for Territorial Cooperation, Gaspar Zarrías, and the Minister for Tourism, Luciano Alonso.
The Department of Coasts has acknowledged that individual circumstances vary not only within various municipalities, but also within the different provinces in Andalucía.
Factors such as proximity to the N-340 coastal road, mountainous terrain and the existence of promenades will be taken into consideration when making any decision.
Now, only in cases where it is physically possible and feasible for chiringuitos to be moved from the sandy area of the beach will this be considered as an option, and only then with the agreement of the owners of the establishment and the municipal authority.
The Department of Coasts now states that its objectives are twofold, to regularise the situation regarding the beach chiringuitos so that both the establishments and individuals can use the public space whilst preserving an excellent and popular tradition.
Just a slight change of stance (!), but one which will be welcomed by all concerned. It has long been argued that cases should be considered on an individual basis; rather than issuing a blanket edict regardless of the practicalities involved, and this now seems to be the direction in which things are heading.
It is also proposed that responsibility for the chiringuitos will be transferred to the Junta de Andalucía at some stage during 2010.