The closure of many high street bank branches and surge of tourists from countries outside the euro zone, especially from the UK, has led to a proliferation of ATMs all over Benidorm in recent years.
These street cash machines – that in most cases charge holidaymakers outside the euro zone extortionate commission – are predominantly built into the facades of other businesses, although others have been installed in the middle of gardens, pavements and even obsolete telephone boxes.
And in the case of Benidorm, 'illegally'.
Earlier this month, Benidorm Town Hall ordered the closure of 196 'pirate' ATMs in the town, claiming almost all of them have been operating without having first obtained a licence for installation, without responsible declaration to the local authorities, and more importantly, without paying municipal taxes for the occupation of public roads.
The following companies were ordered to dismantle the machines: Euronet 360 LTD, which operates at least 137 cash machines in Benidorm; Cardtronics SL, with 37 ATMs identified by the municipal inspection; and Euro Automatic Cash Entidad de Pago SL, with another 22.
However, the council has been forced to back down and suspend two decrees approved by the Department of Commerce on February 9 that stipulated the cash machines had to be removed within a month, and instead give the companies 15 days to submit their cases.
A "computer error" meant that the Town Hall "did not duly notify the companies concerned of the municipal inspection reports which state that these machines operate without having licences or a responsible declaration or paying fees for the occupation of the public highway", explained Councillor Lorenzo Martínez.
This blunder means the finance companies must be given a hearing and "opportunity to comment on the matter".
The original order stipulated that the ATMs must be dismantled and the buildings/facades be restored to their original state.
In addition, the companies responsible for the cash machines were fined 2,000 euros for each ATM, amounting to 392,000 euros, for a minor infringement of Law 6/2014 of 25 July of the Generalitat Valenciana.
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