Councillors voted in favour of the new ban

UK holidaymakers heading to Spain have been warned of a new beach ban.

Torrox, in the Costa del Sol, became the first municipality in Malaga to hand out fines to beachgoers in 2014.

Fines can be issued to anyone reserving spaces on the beach by leaving deckchairs, umbrellas or other personal belongings there.

But this rule has since been extended following a number of complaints.

A ban is now in place which means people cannot put up tents and gazebos on beaches.

Councillors voted in favour of the ban on February 24 ‘with the priority objective of increasing safety and public spaces’, according to Sur in English.

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It means that ‘tents, pergolas, canvas structures and other similar installations’ cannot be installed on the town’s beaches.

Vanessa López, a councillor in the area, said the items ‘occupy a large space and privatise the area in which they are installed, usually leading to problems of excessive noise and visibility for lifeguards, which prevent them from carrying out their work of control and surveillance with guarantee and safety’.

She said ‘a greater positive impact will be achieved in terms of cleanliness, less occupation of public space and an increase in safety, as there will also be better access to the beaches for emergency vehicles if necessary’.

It is understood people flouting the new rule will not be fined, unlike the 2014 rule.

The town hall also modified a local bylaw which will waive the new rule on San Juan night but prior approval must be given.

The rule will not be enforced between 6pm on June 23 until 1am on June 24.

It will also not apply for excursions, school visits and trips with disabilities, as long as these events have prior approval.