Sopot’s beach bought out

Sopot rent half of the 4.5-kilometre beach to private owners. Now one need to pay for sunbathing. Two kilometers of Sopot’s sand is in private hands - the owners of catering premises and night clubs. And it is most attractive place in Sopot, next to the pier, from both its sides. Tourists would not be able to sunbath there for free. Sopot explains that the city needs money. "All over the world, the beaches are being rented. It is normal practice in European resorts. This city is gaining additional means" - explains Magdalena Jachim, spokesman of Sopot’s magistrate. According to the law, beach owners cannot charge for the entrance to the beach. But the premises representatives cunningly go around this regulation. One is not obliged to pay for sunbathing but for ... admission to the premises at the beach. So one need to buy something at the bar in order to use the private part of the beach.