Opposition councillors in Marbella call for action after beach bar fires

MEMBERS of the left-leaning Partido Socialista (PSOE) on Marbella City Council called on the mayor to take measures to prevent arson after two beach bars were torched in suspected attacks. 

PSOE councillors said Angeles Muñoz should take steps to help stop such attacks to help protect Marbella’s tourist image and to improve security.

PSOE’s Javier Porcuna said: “Marbella is a safe city, but these incidents cannot be neglected. The mayor has a responsibility to ensure security.”

“Large numbers of tourists are about to arrive while Marbella beach bars burn, but the mayor looks the other way.”

It comes after two chiringuitos, Playa Padre and Bounty Beach, caught fire within eight days of each other in February.

Both are set to reopen this Easter, with Playa Padre having been a popular venue with celebrities since opening in 2017.

Investigators suspect the fires may have been started deliberated but this has not been confirmed as probes continue.