Several beaches in Spain have introduced a pay and display system for sunbeds and parasols.
The measure has been brought in on the island of Gran Canaria, specifically in the municipality of Mogan.
The affected beaches include El Perchel, Puerto Rico and Playa de Mogan.
The system, in force since April 11, is managed by Mogan town hall through the municipal company Gestiona Mogan.
Each beach has one or more machines that are almost identical to parking meters.
Users select the sunbed or umbrella service, pay the cost, and a receipt is generated to be kept for the duration of their stay.
You can also pay beach attendants directly, as they will be walking around the beds with a card machine.
The local councillor for beaches Willy Garcia said: ‘We continue working to provide our beaches with services, and in this case, payment resources for the convenience of our visitors and our neighbours, which is very important.’
Garcia said the machines will be tested on the three busiest beaches before being rolled out on others.
The pay and display system was brought following complaints from locals who wanted to pay in cash.
Beach attendants were previously only accepting payment by card ‘for security reasons.’
