CHIRINGUITOS would be able to double in size under a new coastal law being considered by the government.
The draft legislation, designed to protect the coastline through sustainable activities, would allow some beach bars to take up double the surface area, and move closer together.
But critics have argued it does the exact opposite, issuing more building licenses and allowing all existing buildings to remain, regardless of their legal status.
Under the new law chiringuitos on natural beaches will have a maximum surface area of 70 square metres, and must be made of collapsible elements. The minimum distance between each bar will be 300 meters.
Bars on urban beaches can take up 300 square meters, double the 150 meters currently allowed, and provided their activities are dissimilar, only need to be a minimum 75 meters apart.
Tourism-focused public events can also be held at those beaches on urban chiringuitos, such as the broadcasting of sports events, provided they have a national or international impact.
The Coast Law also allows for homes on the shoreline that were previously declared illegal to be sold again.
Bans on structural reforms for those homes behind the shoreline have also been lifted, allowing owners to make the alterations they see fit as long as they get permits for the work.
