Four private beaches at Les Sablettes in Menton, France, are required to dismantle their structures by May 16, following a decision from the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture communicated by the local municipality.

This abrupt order comes amidst ongoing legal complications regarding the suspension of their concession contracts.

The beach operators have highlighted their inability to comply with the deadline due to the unavailability of specialized companies, which are essential for the removal of the installations, until much later in the summer.

Thibault Martin, manager of La French Plage, reported that the company responsible for dismantling their structures informed him that they would not be free until August 18. Other operators echoed this sentiment, with Andrea Calabro, owner of Calabro Beach Club, stating that their Italian supplier, involved in 80% of similar structures along the French Riviera, also indicated unavailability until August, as they are currently engaged in setting up for the upcoming tourist season.

The legal backdrop to this situation involves the French coastal law, which mandates the clearing of maritime areas during the winter months.

Beach operators were initially required to dismantle their structures by mid-October the previous year but anticipated a positive outcome that would allow them to operate for 48 weeks, as suggested during a public service delegation renewal.

However, the prefecture denied this request, asserting safety concerns due to unfinished coastal defenses.

In November, a short extension was granted, but it was soon followed by a judicial decision that temporarily suspended concession contracts affecting four of the seven lots involved.

An appeal by the city of Menton has been rejected; thus, the municipality has approached the Conseil d’Etat, yet no court date has been set.

The operators are dependent on a resolution to alleviate their mounting debts.

The financial implications are severe, with some operators reporting investments up to one million euros, made under the assumption of a twelve-year concession.

With operations curtailed to just three months from July to October 2024, they continue to incur monthly expenses including loan repayments and operational costs, which average 15,000 euros for La French Plage and 6,000 to 7,000 euros for Calabro Beach Club.

Additional expenses such as legal fees and the cost of dismantling the beach structures, estimated between 20,000 and 50,000 euros, are compounding their financial distress.

The logistical complexity of removing heavy structures requires substantial transportation capabilities and a project timeline of approximately two weeks.

The precarious situation has left operators in a state of financial and psychological distress.

Martin expressed a sentiment of looming crisis, although he operates another restaurant that provides some relief.

Conversely, Fernando Usai, operating La Pergola, indicated he is facing severe personal challenges as he approaches retirement age, which this venture was meant to secure.

Usai, along with Calabro, fears that if the municipality initiates another call for tenders, securing financial backing from banks for operational continuity will be nearly impossible.

In a collective plea, the beach operators at Les Sablettes are seeking assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for a meeting with the prefecture to request an extension on the dismantling deadline while awaiting the outcome of judicial proceedings.