Guardamar hoteliers are still demonstrating against the new terrace rules

A prestigious law firm, López Graña, has been hired by the ‘Platform for People Affected by the Regulations for the Occupation of Public Roads in Shops in Guardamar del Segura’ to defend its interests against the new municipal regulations that affect the installation of terraces in the town. In comparison to neighbouring municipalities like Torrevieja or Santa Pola, the platform believes that the measure imposed by the City Council is a response to political interests and jeopardises the viability of its enterprises.

According to the portal, 55% of the terraces have not yet processed their licence, and the mayor of Guardamar is allegedly utilising his social networks to exert pressure on industry business owners. They also take issue with the City Council sending representatives to measure and take pictures of the terraces and the announcement that signs will be put up right away in the impacted locations. In addition, they assert that “they have documented how the mayor has ignored their allegations and that the technical reports used to justify the regulations do not conclude a real benefit for the citizens.”

With López Graña’s help, the platform has chosen to take legal action in response to what they perceive to be “harassment by the City Council” in an effort to halt the ordinance. “We will not willingly dismantle our terraces. Those impacted believe a judge will need to issue an order if they wish to remove them. It is important to keep in mind that this new rule forbids the use of any signage or protective element after business hours and mandates the instant removal of platforms and fixed enclosures with no chance of reinstallation.

Hoteliers have organised weekly protests against the proposal, which comes soon before Easter. They will call for protests at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 12:00 on Friday 7th March and every Friday after that to voice their disapproval of the rules. The platform, which unites over 70 local businessmen, feels that the action jeopardises the life of many families and has a significant impact on Guardamar del Segura’s hotel industry.

“For decent and safe terraces, yes to platforms” is the slogan that the hoteliers are using to express their will to keep protesting until the City Council makes the necessary adjustments.