Spanish City To Impose Rs 67,000 Fine For Urinating In The Sea, Social Media Asks ‘Who’s Going To Find Out?’

The Spainish city of Marbella is proposing a new rule to keep the \waters clean by imposing a fine of €750 (roughly Rs 67,000) on those caught urinating in the sea. Repeat offenders could face even tougher consequences, with fines reaching up to €1,500 (approximately Rs 1 lakh) if caught again within a year, The Guardian reported.

The rule aims to maintain hygiene and sanitary regulations. While the fine has been approved by local authorities, it still requires public consultation before becoming law. Many are left wondering how lifeguards will identify offenders among the crowd.

When asked about the new rule by a Spanish TV program ‘Al Tiempo’, beachgoers appeared confused about the penalties. The proposal has left both residents and beachgoers scratching their heads, wondering how it will be enforced and what it means for them.

Residents and beachgoers in Marbella are scratching their heads over this new regulation. One person humorously confessed that he has urinated in the sea multiple times and asked, “Who’s going to find out? The jellyfish?” Another beachgoer shared similar confusion and wondered, “Are there going to be police officers on the lookout? I just don’t get it.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the city council later clarified saying that “The bylaw does not impose a sanction for peeing in the sea. It will not be applicable. The bylaw regulates possible antisocial infractions on the beach, just as any such acts are regulated in any public space such as on the city’s streets.” Simply put, the new rule isn’t about peeing in the sea, but about stopping bad behaviour on the beach altogether, like littering or causing trouble.

Marbella is following in the footsteps of other Spanish cities with its new fine for urinating in the sea. Back in 2004, Malaga implemented a €300 (approximately Rs 27,000) penalty for such behaviour on the beach or in the water. More recently, the Galician city of Vigo introduced a €750 (approximately Rs 67,000) fine for the same offence two years ago.

In Spain, authorities have imposed fines for various beach related offences. People caught nude on the beach can face a €750 fine, while those who try to light fires or barbecues must pay €1,500 (around Rs 1 lakh). Unauthorised sellers will face a hefty €3,000 (around Rs 2 lakh) fine. Cycling, surfing, jet skiing or other water sports are also prohibited within 200 metres of the shore.