What's really happening re the hotel closures in Costa Calma?

[bedouin]

There are news reports that the Jandia mayor, Rafael Perdomo, has ordered the closure of the SBH Monica Beach, SBH Taro Beach and SBH Costa Calma Beach hotels in Costa Calma.  Allegedly, the hotels don't have the correct licences to operate, even though they've been open for decades.  Anyone know what's really happening?

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[Sam]

Back (unpaid) taxes? That would make a bit of sense, especially if we're talking about not paying for a few years, I guess.

[Captain Sensible]

It's all a bit confusing.  I've tried to follow what's going on.
I can't understand why it's taken so many years to get to this situation without it being brought to someone's attention before.

The big concern is that a lot of people will lose their jobs if they are forced to close.

We stayed at the SBH hotel - Monica Beach Hotel - 3 times between 1999 and 2002.

[windermeregolfer]

I admit I am not fully up to speed with island government issues but how can a local mayor have this much over company Tax Issues?

[Spitfire58]

I admit I am not fully up to speed with island government issues but how can a local mayor have this much over company Tax Issues?

I think the simplest answer to that John is, it’s Spain. Laws seem to be very flexible when they want them to be !!

[bedouin]

It seems that SBH are fighting back.  They've issued a press release saying that "All the hotels in the chain are audited every six months by independent companies, as well as specialized personnel from the travel wholesalers themselves in the safety and hygiene section."

SBH also says it regrets that the action against it has been intended "to tarnish the image of a pioneer company of a municipality and an island that lives exclusively on tourism', and insists that "the safety of our customers and workers, as well as their well-being and satisfaction, form part of our main objectives'.

https://www.canarias7.es/siete-islas/fue...-FK5837430

[Spitfire58]

That would seem to imply the closure is to do with H&S or hygiene rather than Tax 

[Captain Sensible]

A further article on the subject  -  http://www.noticiasfuerteventura.com/fue...PHXxasebUw

It appears that the issue is health and safety.  The hotels say thay are now complying and have the same standards as 90% of the other hotels in the area.