Consumer Association Complains About Paid Beaches in Northern Cyprus

The Confederation of Consumer Organizations of the TRNC has issued a statement regarding beach operators who charge for beach access. Despite the law stating that access to swimming areas should be free, fees have reached up to 800 lira per person.

According to the association's statement, some beach operators prevent citizens from accessing swimming areas and force them to pay exorbitant fees. This practice contradicts the law, as entrance fees at some beaches have soared to 800 TL per person.

Moreover, preventing citizens from accessing beaches violates constitutional and legal rights and constitutes a crime.

"Our citizens, whose rights have been violated, are being compelled to visit beaches in Southern Cyprus. Our Confederation urges the government to take immediate action to ensure that citizens can access beaches freely," the statement from the advocates emphasized.

The statement also references the Ombudsman’s report from June 28, which states that "according to the Constitution and the law, no fee should be charged for beach access. If additional services are offered on the beach, fees should only be charged for those services."

Highlighting the Ombudsman’s recommendation for municipalities and district governors to conduct rigorous inspections, the Confederation of Consumer Organizations called on the government and parliament to take all necessary steps to make beaches in Northern Cyprus free.