Benidorm has given a stern ticking off to tourists who book much sought-after sunbathing slots on the resort's main beach and then fail to turn up!
The city's mayor, Toni Pérez says they aren't prepared to put up with time-wasters when other holidaymakers may be missing out or have to queue to get their first choice.
A new system swings into action on Friday which means anyone who books a beach slot on the main Levante beach and then doesn't turn up or cancel will lose it.
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Instead, they will given to the first people in the queue at the physical service points alongside the beach at 11.15am and then again at 5.45pm.
The new rule applies to all those who book a place on the Levante beach for the whole day or for the afternoon/evening shift.
For day bookers, they will be given until 11am to turn up.
Those who pre-book for the afternoon/evening have until 5.30pm to occupy their parcel of sand.
The mayor said the number of people not turning up or cancelling was on the increase so unless they meet the deadlines, they "will be released automatically so that they can be used by other users."
"We want to guarantee that the greatest number of people can enjoy the Levante beach," said Toni Pérez.
At one stage, says Benidorm council, the percentage of reserved plots left unoccupied stood at 30 per cent but has since dropped to 15 per cent.
Even this, said the mayor, was too high although he recognised there were genuine cases which meant people couldn't turn up as planned.
Over the last four days, more than 1,300 reserved plots were released after "citizens showing solidarity and responsibility" did cancel in the proper way.
