APA clarifies beach concession rules for sunshade placement

Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) issued rules for beach concessionaires regarding sunshade placement. The APA clarified that concessioned areas cannot exceed 30% of a beach's usable area or 50% of its beachfront. Areas not covered by concessions remain for public use. These regulations aim to ensure public access to beaches, which have been public spaces since 1864. The issue has caused controversy among concessionaires and some local officials.