Hi Peter,
Here is some information on the research my friend did relating to balconies etc in El Gouna. Perhaps this should be mentioned to Resort Alliance and other developers.
There is a really serious issue with Health and Safety in El Gouna, which potentially affects many of us who rent out holiday property. Particularly to the UK market, andpotentially to the rest of the EU.
The height of virtually all the terrace/balcony railings, and width between the bars does not comply with current EU Health and Safety regulations. Railings must be 1 metre high minimum, from either the floor or any horizontal 'step-up'. The gap between bars must be 10cm or less.
This is significant because any tour operator with UK clients is liable under the British legal system. Should a tragedy occur, a tour operator could be charged with corporate manslaughter, with compensation running into £ millions GBP and potentially a custodial sentence. If a property is non-compliant with EU Health and Safety law, the PLI would presumably be invalidated.
This is significant on 2 counts:
1) It affects tour operators such as James Villas and potentially Savilles. They will not take on any properties that are not compliant with EU Health and Safety because of the legal risks to themselves.
2) If British owners rent out properties independently, and offer anything more than a basic rental, their status in law changes to 'Tour Operator' with the attendant legal risks. Even the smallest addition can effect this change - eg an airport transfer or an El Gouna bus ticket!
(If properties are rented independently, with no 'additions' the owner would PROBABLY be relatively safe, as any legal action would take place through the Egyptian judicial system, which I am told is relatively ineffective.)
The hotels are in the same position with UK clients / tour operators, and Ocean View is currently negotiating to change all their terrace railings. In the meantime all British guests are housed on the ground floor.
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