Go-kart controversy is no laughing matter for Funny Beach Marbella

FOLLOWING years of dispute between the Junta de Andalucía regional government and Marbella Council, and the owner of Funny Beach Marbella activity park, a decision has been made to close the business’s go-karting track, at least temporarily. 

The issue behind the dispute is the question of whether or not go-karting is a sport. Funny Beach’s track is on land that’s been designated by local government for sporting use, and officials insist go-karting is a recreation, rather than a sport.

The business owner – who wishes to reassure customers that the Funny Beach water park, sun beds and car park are all still running as normal, with only the go-kart track affected – insists he has all the legal paper work in place, and the only issue is the classification of the use of the land. 

He told Euro Weekly News that he had spent many years trying to reach a solution: “This is totally unfair, as I have tried countless times to resolve this issue, and I do not agree that go-karting is not classed as a sport. 

“It is a sport that many enjoy, this is ridiculous and unnecessary. I have adhered to other legalities and this is so wrong. 

“They say that I cannot open until this is sorted out, and I have tried so many times over the years.”

Marbella Council claims that the go-kart track was only issued a temporary licence when it first opened in 1993, which “was never renewed by the council or the Junta de Andalucia regional government because the uses permitted on the grounds were not compatible with the activity in question.” 

At the moment the owner says he is not allowed to enter the premises even to access his own office. The case continues.