SSUENN 1555 //2 -23 - 29 2016 APRIL 2015 IISSUE OO . .1613 8 June
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
Tasteful tourism for Mojacar By Adele Land The controversial ‘bikini bylaw’ was passed this week in a Mojacar plenary meeting. The ‘coexistence and citizenship’ law, initially announced in November 2015, prohibits, amongst other things, the wearing of swimwear in the street and wearing fancy-dress costumes in a style which may cause ‘sexual, religious or racist offence.’ Included in the ban is walking along the street carrying blow-up dolls, or phallic objects, such as those favoured by stag and hen parties. Flouting the bylaw could result in fines of up to €1,000, if the offence occurs in busy areas or where children are present. Carlos Rodriguez of opposition group, Somos Mojacar, opposed the law, saying it “went against the spirit of the town,” adding that the council should concentrate more on preventing vandalism and similar inappropriate behaviour. Mojacar socialist (PSOE)
leader, Manuel Zamora, called the bylaw absurd, saying it would have a negative impact on tourism. Zamora said that news of someone being fined in Mojacar for wearing a bikini would “spread like wildfire” via the press, and would discourage people from holidaying in the resort. Opposition groups also questioned how the law would be implemented, adding that it was somewhat ambiguous and open to interpretation. Mojacar mayor Rosa Maria Cano said the law did not pro-
hibit fun or celebrations, but was aimed at promoting family tourism and preventing the town becoming the “new Magaluf.” Concerns were raised by opposition groups about how visi-
tors would know about the new laws. Cano confirmed that a campaign would take place with the cooperation of hoteliers and rental agencies. The law also targets playing ball games, skateboarding in the streets and gives the Local Police the right to confiscate items used irresponsibly. Somos Mojacar’s Jessica Simpson suggested more play areas be introduced for young people avoiding the need for them to play in the street. The Partido Popular (PP) councillors voted unanimously in favour of the new law, along with opposition group Union Mojaquera. Councillors from PSOE and Somos Mojacar voted against.
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Back to life THE Valparaiso foundation in Mojacar has opened its doors to artists again following a period of inactivity. Scholarships in collaboration with the local council allow budding artists to stay in the area and develop their creative sides. See page 2
Setting standards BIKERS are set to be safer in Mojacar following a motion to replace or modify crash barriers on main roads around the town. The news has been welcomed by local bikers, who speak of horSee page 7 rific accidents involving motorbikes and barriers.
Winning dish THE owner and chef of a Mojacar Playa restaurant came ninth in a challenge at the May in Memphis Interna-
tional cookery festival with a pork dish, which he will be serving locally as of this weekend. See page 13
Happy and safe MOJACAR has announced special safety measures for the upcoming Moors and Christians party to ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe too. See page 20
Pest control WASTE grounds in and around Albox are being fumigated to eliminate pests as the warmer weather arrives. Insects which can put pets and humans at risk will thus be expelled from the See page 68 town.