site.btaConcessionaires to Offer Free, Open Access to Beaches for People with Disabilities

Concessionaires must provide conditions for open and free use of the sea beaches by people with disabilities, according to the adopted at first reading amendments to the Black Sea Coast Act voted by Parliament here on Wednesday. The amendments were supported unanimously with 136 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

According to the bill, the concession contract shall entrust the concessionaire with the provision of conditions for the open and free use of an accessible sea beach for people with disabilities, where this is provided for in the justification of the concession prepared by the minister of tourism.

The explanatory memorandum to the bill states that for many years Bulgarians with disabilities have been raising the issue of accessibility to Bulgaria's beaches. Accessibility should entail having appropriate facilities built in that facilitate the entire process of reaching the beach, walking across it and being able to get into the water, having access to sun loungers and sunshade, changing rooms and restaurants, the bill sponsor's reasoning reads.