Shutdowns ordered in Rhodes for zoning offences

07:56 7/6/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Rhodes municipal officials have ordered the closure of a beach bar in Santa Marina by June 20 after finding it was illegally built on an archaeological site.

The bar owner illegally installed 19 metal platforms with sunbeds in the sea, discovered by inspectors using the MyCoast app. The same bar was fined last year for serving customers in the water.

Authorities

emphasize the bar’s location within an archaeological site prohibits any licensing. The owner had expanded a food truck permit from 2014 and 2015 with illegal structures. Despite a demolition order in 2016 and a sealing order in 2017, the bar remained open.

Inspection teams, acting on reports from users of the government’s innovative MyCoast app, found that the owner of the Santa Marina bar had unlawfully installed 19 unlicensed metallic structures with sunbeds extending into the water.

This establishment had previously incurred fines for similar offenses, highlighted last year when a video of a waiter serving patrons mid-water became an internet sensation. Subsequently, authorities had mandated the removal of these illegal structures.

The most significant irregularity, however, is the bar’s location within the bounds of Rhodes city’s archaeological site.

The local archaeological authority has categorically ruled out the possibility of legalizing the establishment, stating that “no approval has ever been, nor could ever be issued for the operation of this business, in light of the archaeological laws, as it has illicitly taken over the communal seafront and beach area.”

The owner, who was initially granted a permit for a food truck in 2014 and 2015, expanded his operations with unauthorized constructions. The first demolition order was issued in 2016, followed by a municipal sealing directive in 2017. Despite these measures, the bar continued its operations.

Local media reported this week that despite the closure decree the establishment continued its illegal operation. Not only did the establishment continue to operate as usual on Thursday, but it also hosted a party.

According to a report by Mega television, the owner did not remove the floating sun loungers but instead organized a party. Dozens of holidaymakers were seen enjoying their swim, food, and drinks on the illegal structures in the water.

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