Spanish City Marbella Plans Rs 67,000 Fine For Urinating In Sea, Social Media Raises Enforcement Concerns

Marbella, a city in Spain, is proposing a new measure aimed at preserving the cleanliness of its waters: fines of up to €750 (approximately Rs 67,000) for those caught urinating in the sea, with repeat offenders facing penalties of up to €1,500 (roughly Rs 1 lakh) within a year, as reported by The Guardian.

The initiative seeks to uphold hygiene and sanitary standards. While approved by local authorities, the rule is still subject to public consultation before potentially becoming law. Questions abound about how lifeguards will identify offenders in crowded beaches.

During a discussion on a Spanish TV program ‘Al Tiempo’, beachgoers expressed confusion over the proposed penalties. The announcement has left residents and visitors perplexed, questioning its enforcement and implications.

Residents and beachgoers in Marbella are bewildered by the new regulation. One individual humorously admitted to having urinated in the sea multiple times, jokingly asking, “Who’s going to find out? The jellyfish?” Another voiced similar bewilderment, wondering, “Will there be police officers patrolling? It just doesn’t make sense.”

A city council spokesperson clarified in a statement that “The bylaw does not penalize urinating in the sea. It pertains to regulating potential antisocial behavior on the beach, akin to rules governing public spaces like city streets.” In essence, the focus is on curbing disruptive behaviors such as littering.

Marbella joins other Spanish cities in implementing fines for sea-related offenses. Malaga, since 2004, has enforced a €300 (approximately Rs 27,000) fine for similar actions on its beaches, while Vigo introduced a €750 penalty for urination in the sea two years ago.

In Spain, fines extend to various beach-related activities. Nudity on the beach can lead to a €750 fine, lighting fires or barbecues without permission may result in a €1,500 penalty, and unauthorized vendors face a hefty €3,000 fine. Additionally, activities like cycling, surfing, and jet skiing are prohibited within 200 meters of the shore.