The Puerto de la Cruz council, the main tourist city in northern Tenerife, faces a potential fine ranging from €3,005 to €601,012. This follows allegations that it failed to close the Punta Brava beach at Playa Jardín after a water quality test on June 22 reported fecal contamination, just before a major celebration for San Juan. A Public Health report dated June 24 indicated that the council did not enforce a swimming ban on June 23 and 24, leaving it to the Government of the Canary Islands to determine whether this constitutes a minor, serious, or very serious infraction. Despite this, the local government, a coalition of the PP, ACP, and CC parties, remains confident that it will not incur a fine.
If deemed a minor infraction, the fine could be capped at €3,005, while serious violations range from that amount to €15,025, and very serious violations escalate from €15,025 to €601,012, as per the Canary Islands Health Organisation Law.
The law specifies serious infractions as those that cause actual harm to individual or public health. It also highlights refusal to cooperate with health authorities during imminent health risks and repeated disobedience of health orders, which is implied in the Public Health report findings.
The council has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they did attempt to notify beachgoers of the closure; however, they claim signs were removed. This contrasts starkly with the strict measures taken on August 12, including barricading the entire Punta Brava beach after another contamination incident.
Despite the risk of penalty, council sources express confidence that their actions have been appropriate and legal. They emphasise the extensive efforts made to keep the public informed and adhere to all required procedures throughout the situation. Documentation exists to support their position, indicating compliance with legal and health protocols, and they assert that there is no cause for concern over a possible fine.
