Overview
- Multiple private beach operators across Apulia have begun enforcing bans on self‑supplied food and drinks, a change reported Wednesday that covers stretches from the Gargano to the Salento coast.
- Operators and their trade group say the bans respond to whole‑meal picnics that increase rubbish, require extra cleaning staff and harm the image and revenues of beach bars and kiosks.
- Antonio Decaro, president of the Apulia region, publicly criticized the practice as turning the sea into a luxury and noted that since 2019 single‑use plastics are already banned and self‑caterers must use biodegradable tableware.
- Consumer groups and local families counter that rising prices for sunbeds, drinks and kiosk food — not picnics — are the main barrier to affordable beach days, with one mother saying she hides homemade sandwiches to avoid €5 kiosk rolls.
- The dispute remains unresolved with no region‑wide ban reported and questions open about the legal authority of private clubs, likely outcomes include court or regulatory challenges and heightened political pressure during peak tourist season.