Going to nature, many of us are used to taking something to eat with us, so to speak, to have a small picnic. But it is very problematic to do this in Italy. Recently, there have been a lot of unpleasant situations on Italian beaches related to food and soft drinks that vacationers bring rather than buy in beach cafes.
For example, on the private beaches of the Puglia region. The administration kicked out 3 families with children in Torre Lapillo in the Ionian Marina area for trying to have a snack with their food. The beach workers categorically stated: “Either pay or leave the beach immediately.”
This scandal became publicized because it was published by La Repubblica. And it is difficult to imagine how many similar conflict situations occur throughout Italy. Almost all beaches that belong to hotels or private individuals simply force vacationers to buy food exclusively in their cafes.
As noted by journalist Dario Dusso, who became the author of this scandalous article, even the local population is outraged by such actions. Perhaps the situation will change, but given the bureaucratic peculiarities of handling complaints in Italy, in September-October 2023, it is better for tourists to find out in advance what rules regarding food and drinks apply on a particular coast and not waste their nerves.
