Beach bars on Santa Cruz’s popular Las Teresitas beach have been ordered to pay thousands of euros in fines for breaching local regulations governing aspects ranging from noise levels to opening hours.
The authorities in the Tenerife capital have confirmed that fines have been issued for a total of almost 25,000 euros for persistent breaches by the eight bars that line the sand on Las Teresitas, 7 km north of Santa Cruz.
The culprits had been warned repeatedly about their failure to adhere to the rules, particularly the blaring (and largely reggaeton) music which – while clearly a big draw for many younger beach-goers – can be heard as far away as the neighbouring village of San Andrés, prompting frequent complaints from locals. The bars were also fined for failing to close at the stipulated time (one hour after sundown).
The shiny new bars, some with restaurants and Bali beds, are a marked contrast to the old-style bar huts that were a symbol of Las Teresitas for decades but which were removed for health and safety reasons and to give Las Teresitas a more modern look. However, many regular users of the beach say Las Teresitas, which was created using sand shipped from the Sahara, has lost its essence as a family beach as a result.
Council officials have reiterated warnings to the bars that persistent breaches could lead to the bars’ contracts being withdrawn.
