Crisis Talks are to be held in a bid to find a solution to tables and chairs being outlawed along the sea wall of a picturesque Marina Alta port.
Hundreds of foreign residents and visitors demonstrated in Javea Port last Saturday calling for bars and restaurants once again to be allowed to offer a Shirley Valentine moment – eating and drinking by the sea wall and just metres from the sea.

Round Town News | Noticia

Madrid ordered the Avenida Marina Espanola to be cleared of illegal occupation by restaurants and bars under the Law of the Coasts, and Javea Town Hall is responsible for the enforcement of the law and protection of the coastline.

However, many residents and visitors enjoy the al fresco experience and between 200 and 800 people took part in the peaceful protest last weekend to call for the tables, chairs and umbrellas to be immediately returned.

Their stance is not universally supported. Many residents also enjoy the new ‘status quo’ and believe the law has been “continually flouted” by private enterprise over many years through “expansion and encroachment” onto the public space.

Mayor Jose Chulvi will listen to all sides on Monday morning at the Town Hall and will hear from residents, the Port business association, restaurant and business owners directly affected.

It is hoped a legal compromise can be found that is seen to be within the public interest after the outside furniture was removed in April.

PETITION
Demo organiser Phil Harding said more than 700 people signed a petition calling for the tables and chairs to once again grace the sea wall.
He said an international protest of residents and visitors had shown they “feel very strongly” about the situation and it was a little disappointing no council officials had witnessed the demonstration at first hand.

Mayor Chulvi acknowledged protesters were trying to help the town’s fortunes and hoped Monday’s meeting would be productive and find a legal solution.
But he warned the town hall “has no authority to approve or disapprove“ of the occupation of the promenade once it had reached “its optimum usage” under the law.
A statement from the local authority also said the placing of tables and chairs were “in some instances excessive and abusive” obstructing access to the sea by the general public.

The town hall also said: “We must remember that although there is a group of people who are in favour of the occupation of public spaces, there is another large group of citizens who are totally against this and have asked for the strict application of the law.”

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