- I think it is discrimination between Belgians. Even those who live in Brussels must be able to enjoy the beach life because they have paid taxes, says Fréderic Torressan, who runs a beach terrace in Knokke.

The problem is that the Belgians, as it seems now, will not get a holiday abroad this year, which many people usually do. More than 11 million Belgians together have just under 70 km of coast.

Mayor: "Not all Belgians can be accommodated"

The mayor of the largest coastal city of Ostend is planning a reservation system of beach space where those who live in the municipality, own summer accommodation or rent hotel rooms get priority. Which reduces the chance for day visitors to swim in the summer.

- There is no place for all Belgians to come to the coast. The coast is too small. If we have room for 30,000 after taking action and 50,000 want to come, then we must have a reservation system, Mayor Bart Tommelein tells SVT News and continues:

- If people criticize this, they should instead say how we should read it in another safe way.