LIFE'S A BEACH
Brits face £430 fines over 23 strict new beach rules in popular Italian resort town – and DON’T buy ice creams
BRITISH holidaymakers could be slapped with £430 fines after a popular Italian resort town rolled out new etiquette rules.
Locals and tourists hitting the beach in Sant'Antioco, Sardinia will be walking on eggshells after 23 controversial new restrictions, which even forbid ice creams.
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In what seems like a crackdown on usual beach behaviour, food will be banned a long with taking part in sports, using an umbrella and playing music.
Even those who are caught munching on a snack or ice cream - could face the maximum fine of £430.
The baffling new rules set by the mayor of Sant'Antioco, Ignazio Locci, have infuriating residents and tourists alike who have criticised the harshness of the regulations.
A local man who wished to remain anonymous told local media: "This means we are prevented from eating anything even if we spend the whole day on the beach?
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"My kids and I can’t buy some ice cream and eat it under our sunshade?"
Another resident added: "This means I can’t provide my girl with a snack when she joins the town’s holiday camp for kids? That’s a bit weird.."
However, the council defended their actions by arguing the regulations were needed to put an end to disorderly gatherings and reduce litter on the beach.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mayor Locci said: "If it can help in making people stick to the rule then yes, I am absolutely against the fact that you eat anything on the beach.
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"We continue to see lunches by the sea with banquets featuring huge watermelons, lasagne and sliced bread.
"I acknowledge that the ban may appear exaggerated. But in just appealing to common sense, our eyes have often been closed on too many fronts."
The new restrictions also include a ban on smoking, chewing gum, barbecues and any non-compostable bags.
Meanwhile in the UK, beachgoers have been warned about strict new rules that could see them fined £1000.
Beaches across the UK have banned dogs from visiting this summer in a bid to keep children safe and the beaches clean from any dog mess.
Anyone who who is found to be in breach of the ban could be issued an on-the-spot fine of up to £100 with that figure rising to £1000 if the dispute is taken to court.
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