Knokke beach concession awards face legal challenges from excluded operators

The award of beach concessions in Knokke has sparked controversy, with excluded operators planning to appeal the decision. Critics allege favoritism and an overemphasis on flashy businesses over family-friendly establishments. Longtime concessionaire Lekkerbek Beach was dropped after 40 years in favor of Karel Coudyser, brother of the mayor, who denies any favoritism. Businessman Marc Coucke's Woyo Beach selection also drew criticism, though the municipality defends the process as transparent with an independent jury. Several rejected candidates are launching legal challenges against the Flemish region, with online crowdfunding campaigns gaining traction to cover legal fees. The dispute threatens to become a prolonged administrative saga.