In Guardamar del Segura, a platform comprising affected businesses announced their refusal to remove outdoor structures as mandated by recent municipal regulations unless compelled by court order. The group has organised weekly protests to urge the local government to revisit the rules, which they see as jeopardising their operations, particularly with the Easter holiday approaching. The platform, representing over seventy hospitality businesses, claims their ability to serve tourists is at stake.

The Mayor of Guardamar, José Luis Sáez, has stated that fifty-five per cent of outdoor terraces still lack the necessary permits. Businesses argue they face threats of penalties if they do not comply. Despite meeting the requirements outlined in the municipal regulations, which were approved in twenty twenty-two, they assert that the technical reports used to justify the Mayor’s claims are politically motivated and not in the interest of the community.

Additionally, the platform is concerned that the enforced removal of outdoor structures such as terraces undermines their competitiveness with nearby municipalities that allow more accommodating rules. They have engaged a legal firm to explore potential judicial measures to halt the enforcement of these regulations, which they consider detrimental.

The protests will occur every Friday, encouraging locals to support their cause against what they describe as