As more visitors bring their own lunch, beach clubs in Puglia are pushing for stricter rules.
A sandwich, some fruit and a bottle of water are essentials for many families spending a day at the seaside. But in Italy's southern region of Puglia, this simple picnic has become the centre of a heated debate: several operators of private beach clubs want to ban guests from bringing their own food and drinks.
The operators argue that outside food creates more litter, raises hygiene concerns and hurts their business. Visitors who pack their own lunch, they say, are less likely to spend money at the beach clubs' restaurants and bars. Some beachgoers have reportedly even begun hiding sandwiches and drinks beneath their towels or in their beach bags.
Consumer advocates and politicians have pushed back against the proposed restrictions. Puglia's regional president, Antonio Decaro, pointed to the already high cost of sun loungers and umbrellas, stressing that access to the sea should not become a luxury.
The proposed ban is also on shaky legal ground. Under regional regulations in force since 2019, visitors are allowed to bring food and beverages into licensed beach clubs. The only requirement is that plates, cups and cutlery must be environmentally friendly. Operators may, however, continue to prohibit elaborate picnics involving tables, chairs or barbecues.
