Concessions awarded by tender from 2024, but also protection of investments made, consideration for entrepreneurs who in the previous five years have used the plant as the main source of income and maximum participation of micro-enterprises, small enterprises and third sector entities. Adequate balance between state-owned areas under concession and free or free equipped areas, but also a fair ratio between proposed rates and quality of service for everyone, even for the disabled. And free access to the sea guaranteed to all with the provision of a constant presence of gates (provision already provided for by law but subject to violations and abuses). These are some of the salient points of the amendments to the Competition bill that introduce the reform of bathing concessions to which the Council of Ministers has given the green light unanimously.
More competition
A bill is also envisaged that provides for a delegation to the government for the adoption, within six months, of one or more legislative decrees to simplify the discipline on concessions. The objectives – explain sources of Palazzo Chigi – are to ensure a more sustainable use of the maritime state property, to favor its public use and to promote greater competition on bathing concessions.
Time for tenders
The principles of the legislative decrees – reads the draft – also include the granting of concessions in compliance with the principles of impartiality, equal treatment, maximum participation, transparency and adequate publicity, to be launched with a call for tenders at least twelve months before the their expiration. “Prerequisites and cases for the possible splitting into small batches” will be defined and a “maximum number of concessions” that can be owned to “favor the access of micro and small enterprises”, in addition to third sector entities, will be identified .
Occupational stability
The minimum impact on the landscape, the environment and the ecosystem must then be ensured. Special attention also for coasts and free beaches to which a share of the annual concession fee will be allocated. Among the criteria for the choice of the concessionaire are the technical and professional experience already acquired, however such as not to preclude access to the sector for new operators, the subjects who, in the five years prior to the start of the procedure, have used the concession as the main source of income for oneself and for one’s family, the provision of social clauses to promote the employment stability of the staff employed by the outgoing concessionaire.
Investments
The duration of the concession must be for a period not exceeding what is strictly necessary to guarantee the amortization and fair remuneration of the authorized investments, with an express prohibition of extensions and renewals, including automatic ones. An indemnity is also foreseen to be paid to the outgoing concessionaire, charged to the incoming concessionaire, due to the non-amortization of the investments made.