Sandwich dispute ignites Italian beach debate: Can private resorts ban outside food?

A dispute over homemade sandwiches has ignited a heated debate on Italian beaches, highlighting tensions between private beach resorts and their patrons. The controversy centers on whether establishments can prohibit guests from bringing their own food.

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I paid 850 euros for the season and I spend money at the bar – for coffee, ice cream, granita. They can’t expect me to spend up to 50 euros a day on a meal in their restaurant. That’s not an obligation.

At a private beach in Montalto di Castro, Beatrice Bordo, who rented loungers and an umbrella for the season, defended her right to eat a sandwich under her umbrella. "I paid 850 euros for the season and I spend money at the bar – for coffee, ice cream, granita. They can’t expect me to spend up to 50 euros a day on a meal in their restaurant. That’s not an obligation," she stated. Bordo believes that while resorts can set their own rules, guests should have freedom to eat their own food on their rented spot.

The issue gained national attention after a woman in Puglia was reportedly reprimanded for eating a homemade sandwich with her children. The woman, Rosaria, had hidden the sandwiches in her bag, attempting to eat them discreetly near the water. A journalist present at the scene noted that this is common practice, as many visitors cannot afford to eat at resort restaurants daily.

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This is a common occurrence on the beaches here. People don't want to be forced to eat at the restaurant every day because they can't afford it, so they find ways to circumvent the rules.

Nikola Ranjo, president of the local beach resort association Asoturizmo, argued that outside food "damages the reputation" of private establishments. He claimed that guests often bring full meals, not just sandwiches, leading to hygiene issues, waste management problems, and difficulties in maintaining order. Ranjo emphasized the significant investments and staff efforts owners make.

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Outside lunches 'damage the reputation' of private beaches. In most cases, we see full meals – pasta, main courses, fruit, desserts, drinks, varied food. This creates problems with hygiene, waste management, and maintaining order, while also hindering the services that owners provide thanks to significant investments and staff engagement.

However, Antonio Decaro, president of the Puglia region, publicly stated, "No one can forbid you from eating food you brought from home on the beach." He reminded citizens of existing regulations and suggested that the cost of loungers and umbrellas is already high, implying that the sea should remain accessible without excessive restrictions on personal choices.

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No one can forbid you from eating food you brought from home on the beach.