They were upset about the advertisement about the beach deck: "I would not lie on it again or spend 1 euro there"

A new policy regarding free access to sunbeds and umbrellas on beaches in Montenegro has sparked controversy after a social media post claimed that foreign tourists will no longer be able to use them after 5 pm. The announcement, which was posted on a well-known local page, stated that from this summer season, residents of Montenegro can use the beach equipment free of charge after 5 pm, but only upon presenting a valid ID. This change marks a shift from previous years, during which all visitors were allowed to use the facilities without charge. According to reports, the policy was outlined in a statement issued by the company “Morsko dobro,” which manages the coastal resources under a contract for the 2026 season. The document specifies that concessionaires of the beaches are required to allow Montenegrins to use the sunbeds and umbrellas free of charge after 5 pm, provided they show their identification documents. Previously, this benefit extended to all visitors, and concessionaires were obligated to display these terms prominently on visible information boards. The announcement came amid growing complaints from both locals and tourists who had been paying for beach equipment even after 5 pm. Despite these concerns, the company has yet to provide further clarification on how the new rule will be implemented. A director of “Morsko dobro,” Mladen Mikijelj, previously stated that anyone who charges for beach equipment after 5 pm would face consequences for violating contractual obligations. Reactions to the post have been mixed, with some users expressing disappointment while others questioned its accuracy. One commenter suggested that there should be no distinction between a man from Montenegro and a woman from Serbia, arguing that the policy seems unfair. Another user wrote, “I wouldn’t lie down on the sunbed anymore or spend one euro there. From me, they won’t get anything. Thank you very much. Goodbye.” This sentiment reflects frustration among some locals who feel the change undermines the inclusive nature of the previous policy. Other comments highlighted the inconsistency of the new rule, noting that for months, no one had asked for IDs or charged for the equipment after 5 pm. Some users pointed out that the policy appears to contradict earlier practices, raising questions about whether the change was officially communicated or enforced. These discussions have taken place primarily on social media platforms, where the post quickly gained traction and triggered a wave of responses. The policy’s impact could be significant, particularly for tourism, as it may affect visitor experience and satisfaction. While the intention behind the change might be to prioritize domestic citizens, the lack of clear communication and enforcement guidelines has left many confused. As the summer season approaches, it remains unclear how strictly the new rules will be applied, and whether the changes will lead to improved resource management or increased dissatisfaction among tourists. For now, the situation continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about fairness, transparency, and the future of public beach access in Montenegro.