Italian authorities are putting a stop to beach-goers who stake out spots on the sand by leaving behind gear, by hitting them with hefty fines.
Across the country, Italian coastguards are cracking down on tourists who leave beach gear out overnight to reserve spots by doling out fines and seizing items like towels, deckchairs and umbrellas, according to The Guardian. People responsible for leaving out equipment could face fines of €200 ($221.58).
The Guardian reports that the Livorno coastguards in Tuscany took 37 deck and beach chairs, 30 umbrellas, towels and bathing suits from the beach Saturday. Authorities in areas like Tortoreto, Roseto Capo Spulico and Salerno have seized beach paraphernalia as well, and in Cecina, Tuscany, it is illegal to leave unattended equipment on the beach before it opens at 8:30 a.m.
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Write to Mahita Gajanan at mahita.gajanan@time.com