Põhja-Tallinn and fast-food business dispute over spot on Stroomi Beach

A bureaucratic dispute has emerged between the Põhja-Tallinn district government and local fast-food business LIT over a location on Stroomi Beach. This spring, the district announced a competition to find two new fast-food spots on the beach, as a court case over another beach building tenant was ongoing.

At the same time, LIT already had a contract signed in late March, allowing them to operate on the beach until June 30. The business owner, Anton Okrut, noted that the contract contained a renewal clause, and oral discussions with the district gave the impression that the agreement could be extended. He did not receive information that he had to participate in a new competition, as he considered the existing contract sufficient.

The district does not deny that the contract had a renewal option, but now states that this option was already used when the contract was signed this year. According to the law, such a renewal can only be used once, after which an open competition is required. Deputy district mayor Kristi Rüütel emphasized that competitions are mandatory.

The situation is complicated by the fact that no bids were received for one of the announced spots. LIT believes the city could offer at least a temporary solution, but the district maintains that a vacant spot cannot be directly offered to any entrepreneur, only through an open competition. New competitions will be held in the coming days, and LIT is invited to participate.

Local residents say the dispute leaves a bad impression and they would rather see more competition on the beach.