New Law 5092/2024 on the conditions for the development of public property in coastal areas and other provisions under criticism.
Law on coastal zone use threatens small businesses
Local business owners in Apokoronas are suddenly grappling with a new law that restricts structures like tables and chairs on beaches. The Association of Store Owners and Businesses of Kalyves has sounded the alarm about this immediate change.
The law basically forbids any permanent or semi-permanent seating on the shore. Only umbrellas and sunbeds get a pass.
This move hits places like Kalyves, Almyrida, Georgioupoli, and Kavros hard. These coastal communities rely on tourism, so a rule like this could push many businesses to the brink.
With no transition period, a lot of employees might lose their jobs overnight. It feels abrupt, almost careless, considering how much these towns depend on summer visitors.
The association singles out licensed stationary canteens. These places operate under strict hygiene rules and, honestly, need some seating to survive.
But right now, the law doesn’t allow it. They’re asking for a fair shot—permission to rent and keep pergolas, as long as they’re tidy, look decent, and don’t block beach access.
Almyrida seems to be taking the brunt of this. Its shoreline is different, and many local businesses have already been slapped with hefty fines.
What’s worse, some hotels in the area have found legal loopholes and get special treatment. That’s tough for the smaller shops trying to keep up.
Family-run businesses keep Apokoronas alive, not just in high season but all year. They’re the backbone here, and it’s clear they need a bit of backup and a level playing field.
People are calling for a pause on this strict beach law. Maybe it’s time to hit the brakes and think about what this really means for tourism and the local economy.
There’s talk at the Vryses town hall. Folks hope the municipality will actually listen and stand up for the local business community.
Key Locations | Impact | Requests from Association |
|---|---|---|
Kalyves | Risk of business closures | Suspension of beach law enforcement |
Almyrida | Heavy fines and unfair rules | Permit for maintaining pergolas for licensed canteens |
Georgioupoli | Tourism-dependent economy | Transitional period for adapting to new regulations |
Kavros | Local economy at risk | Increased support for family businesses |
Heavy Penalties for Coastal Businesses
Municipal councillors from the Popular Rally in Apokoronas have come out swinging against the new law hitting coastal areas. The legislation, which passed in early 2024, controls how public land along the coast gets used.
But for local business owners, it’s a nightmare. The Popular Rally argues the law doesn’t really protect beaches for the community. Instead, it just brings down the hammer on small businesses with huge fines.
We’re talking tens of thousands of euros. That’s a crushing weight for a small family-run place.
It gets worse. The law slaps strict sanctions on businesses that get fined, banning them from expanding or adding more outdoor seating for up to five years.
That pretty much ties their hands. How are they supposed to compete or even stay afloat?
The Popular Rally warns that these rules could wipe out small, local businesses. They believe the law ends up helping big corporate groups take over the coast, erasing the local flavor.
To fight back, the Popular Rally urges business owners and their associations to show up at the next municipal council meeting. They want to stop the fines and push for the harshest parts of the law to get scrapped.
Key Points of the Controversy
Issue | Impact on Small Businesses |
|---|---|
Imposition of heavy fines costing tens of thousands of euros | Severe financial burden causing closures or reduced operations |
Five-year ban on expanding outdoor seating areas | Limits growth potential and customer service options |
Legislation favouring large companies | Threatens survival of small, family-run establishments |
Speedy enforcement of penalties | Leaves little time for defence or adjustment to rules |
The Call to Action
- Who: Business owners on coastal areas and their representative groups
- What: Attend the municipal council meeting to voice concerns
- When: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
- Why: Demand suspension of current fines and call for legislative change
The Popular Rally wants to freeze all current penalties until lawmakers actually take another look at the rules.
They’re urging the government to stop what they call unacceptable regulations—regulations that, in their view, could wipe out small entrepreneurs trying to make a living.
There’s a real clash here between government policies for coastal management and what local businesses deal with every day.
