Costa del Sol officials deny that tourists are fined for urinating in the sea, saying they are allowed to relieve themselves while swimming.
Councillors in Marbella have previously Beachgoers who have registered face a fine of up to €750 (£653) if they are caught carrying out ‘physiological evacuations in the sea and on the beach’.
If you are caught more than once within a year, you risk a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,2700), while a third offence could result in a fine of up to €3,000.
The proposals have angered locals and holidaymakers alike, who questioned whether money should be spent on tackling the problem.
But a spokesperson for the city council has since clarified the proposals, claiming that the new law ‘does not impose a penalty for urinating in the sea.’
They said the guard: ‘It will not apply. The regulation regulates possible antisocial violations on the beach, just as such acts are regulated in any public space, such as on the streets of the city.’
Anyone caught more than once in a year could face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1.2700), while a third offence could result in a fine of up to €3,000.
Councillors in the southern Spanish holiday resort have said beachgoers could face fines of up to €750 if they are caught carrying out ‘physiological evacuations in the sea and on the beach’
The move was initially ridiculed – “Who is going to find the culprits – the jellyfish?” said an incredulous interviewee when asked about Mario Picazo’s measure for the Spanish television program “Tiempo al tiempo,” according to a media outlet The Correo.
“Let them worry about other things, this is stupid!” said another.
‘What would a police officer look at? You don’t see anything, I don’t understand anything.’
Other media openly criticised the measure, stating that urinating in the sea is ‘one of the most common customs in our country’.
Despite all the outrage, the measure has been in force in Malaga since 2004, albeit with much lower penalties.
Beachgoers caught urinating on the beach can currently be fined up to €300.
But these fines would increase significantly if the new legislation, along with a raft of other measures, is passed.
These include a range of new restrictions limiting ball games and paddle boarding on parts of the beach where the activities could ‘disturb other beach users’.
Beachgoers must also request permission from the competent authorities before organising parties, public events or competitions on the 25 beaches in Marbella covered by the legislation.
Brits looking to take a dip in the sea may need to shell out an extra £635 for their Marbella holiday
Tourists show their buttocks on the beach in Spain
Tourist hotspots across Spain are cracking down on bad behaviour ahead of summer
In Magaluf, one of the most notorious party destinations popular with Brits, tourists are now subject to draconian laws that ban them from drinking on the streets after 8.30pm or buying alcohol in convenience stores.
Marbella24hours Other restrictions were later reported that prevent people from leaving umbrellas or parasols in the sand to reserve a spot on the beach, and from leaving cigarette butts, trash and food scraps in the sand.
Parking caravans or campers at the beach is also prohibited if this is ‘contrary to the applicable traffic regulations’.
Tourist attractions across Spain are cracking down on misbehaviour in the run-up to summer.
In Magaluf, one of the most notorious party destinations for Britons, draconian laws are now in place for tourists who are banned from drinking alcohol on the streets or buying alcohol in convenience stores after 8.30pm.
Anyone who breaches the rules introduced on May 11 could face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,350).
If it is decided that someone has committed a more serious offence, the fine can increase to €3,000 (£2,550).
The strict new rules also ban tourists from organizing public drinking parties, spray-painting graffiti, riding scooters and being naked.
The rules will remain in force until at least 2027, after which they will be evaluated for effectiveness and impact.