A public Italian beach has banned umbrellas for anyone between the ages of 10 and 65.
The move was among several new rules implemented by local authorities at Punta Molentis beach in Villasimius, Sardinia.
The new measure means that only families with children under 10 and those over 65 are allowed to pitch one umbrella on the beach, and they have to pay a 10-euro fee to enter.
But the latest measures have caused a stir with the public, with many raising concerns about the increased risks of skin cancer and heatstroke.
One Facebook user wrote on the Villasimius council’s page: ‘Ah, Punta Molentis: the place where you pay 10 euros to enter… and in return they give you the unique experience of not being able to use an umbrella.
‘A real luxury: sun at 40 degrees, no shade, but at least you can say you have contributed to environmental protection… with the sweat. And then the treat: ‘1 umbrella allowed only for families with children or over 65.’
‘You basically have to choose: you reproduce, or you grow old. In the meantime, you get it right.’
Another said: ‘What a beautiful day at the beach and a 20 hour emergency room for burns to be treated.’
One more angry user added: ‘After you pay… Everyone to the emergency room for serious burns… Shame on you disgusting.’
The beach has only recently reopened after being closed since last July, when a wildfire started by arsonists ripped through the area.
Swimmers were forced to flee the beach, and more than 200 cars were left trapped as they were engulfed in flames during the incident.
Villasimìus council said the fire and ‘exceptional marine weather events’ had moved the reopening day to impose stricter rules.
This was carried out in an effort to preserve the natural beauty of Punta Molentis, which is located within a designated conservation area.
‘For this reason, it’s necessary to limit the [human] impact and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations,’ the council said in a notice on its website.
As well as the fee and umbrella measures, the council have also forbidden gazebos and tents and implemented a curfew, with access allowed from 8am to 8.30pm.
At 9pm, a mandatory eviction of beachgoers will begin, the council wrote on its Facebook page.
The measures will remain in place until the end of October.
It comes as Jesolo beach, near Venice, has reduced the number of lounger and umbrella spots by 20,000 in an attempt to create more space between visitors.
Credit: BBC
