Italy to Open 28,000 Beach Club Concessions for Bidding by 2027

Italy has approved a plan to bid out 28,000 beach club concessions by June 2027, following a European Union demand. Traditionally family-run, these beach clubs generate significant revenue and hold cultural value. The decision aims to open the sector to more entrepreneurs, with existing licenses valid until 2027.

Italy approved a landmark plan on Wednesday to open 28,000 beach club concessions for bidding by June 2027, a long-delayed move in response to a European Union mandate urging Rome to invite new entrants into the sector.

The country's beach clubs, a staple of Italian summer rituals, generate around 2.1 billion euros in annual revenue. Traditionally operated by families, these businesses have been passed down through generations, maintaining local traditions and keeping costs low for beachgoers. However, entrepreneurs seeking opportunities argue they have been unfairly excluded.

In a show of dissent against the new plan, beach clubs opened two hours late on Aug. 9. The EU first ordered public tenders for beach licences in 2006, but Italy has repeatedly delayed action. Under the new legislation, current beach licenses will remain valid until September 2027, with a possible extension to March 2028, and compensation will be provided for operators who lose their concessions.