Puglia's Governor Antonio Decaro has ignited a fierce debate by defending the right of tourists and locals to bring their own food and drinks to the beach. The move has divided opinion between residents, the governor, and the region's exclusive beach clubs, known as stabilimenti.
Background: Mass privatisation of Italian beaches
Over the past few years, Italians have protested against the mass privatisation of the country's coastline. Private beach clubs, bars, and restaurants have taken over, leaving fewer free public spaces. The number of clubs has increased by 12% recently, according to reports.
Customers at stabilimenti pay for sunbeds, umbrellas, food, drink, and facilities. This trend has sparked widespread protests demanding accessible coastlines for all.
Decaro's stance: Freedom and fairness
In a Facebook video on July 4, Decaro stated: 'We are working to make the sea, more and more, an experience of freedom, for Apulians and for those who come from outside to discover this region.' He added: 'The sea is a common commodity; it cannot become a luxury. No one can stop you from eating food on the beach that you've brought from home.'
Consumer group Altroconsumo reported last year that renting a sunlounger in Italy now costs 17% more on average than four years ago. In Gallipoli, a popular Puglia resort, daily prices reach around €90 (£78) during peak season. Decaro argues locals should not be priced out of their own public spaces.
Support from influencers and experts
Italian travel influencer Maritia Mazzini agrees with Decaro, calling it a 'positive decision.' She says: 'If I'm already paying to access a beach club, I don't think I should feel obliged to buy food or drinks there as well. As long as people are respectful, clean up after themselves and follow the rules, they should be free to bring their own food.'
Maritia emphasises the need for balance: 'Beach clubs should absolutely exist for those who enjoy them, but public beaches should never disappear, so everyone can choose the experience that best suits their needs and budget.'
Travel expert Alexandra Dubakova of FreeTour notes that in popular parts of Puglia, spending €70 to €90 for an umbrella and two loungers during August is normal. 'Once food and parking are added, a simple beach day can cost well over €100. For many locals, especially younger families, it becomes an occasional luxury.'
She adds that Italian beaches are public property, and concessions 'were never intended to turn the public beaches into places where everything about the visit must be paid for.' Alexandra suggests that allowing outside food might help beach clubs: 'When individuals don't feel forced to purchase every meal, they could be willing to rent the facilities out of respect rather than exploitation.'
Opposition from beach club operators
Not everyone supports Decaro's proposal. Beach club operators claim it will destroy Puglia's 'image of excellence.' Although Italian law allows picnics, clubs often ban outside food and drink with signs reading 'No outside food or drink allowed.'
Assoturismo, the Italian Federation of Tourism Enterprises, argues that people taking their own food leads to littering and inconveniences other beachgoers. The association says the governor has 'encouraged behaviour that lowers quality standards.'
Nicola Ragno, president of Assoturismo in Vieste, told The Times: 'It's not about just a sandwich: some people think they can bring all sorts of food with them, starter, main, fruit — whole meals. These situations can't be tolerated because there are lots of other customers who don't appreciate it.'
Broader context: EU pressure and future changes
Around 33% of the Italian coastline has been leased out, with many leaseholders enjoying automatic renewals at low prices for decades. This is ending due to EU pressure, which requires Italy to switch to competitive tenders by 2027. The debate over picnics is part of a larger question about whether Italy's coastline is a shared asset or a premium service.
