Determined to put an end to rowdy behaviour, boozing in public spaces and towel beach reservations, the seaside town of Piran has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the rules of etiquette among its many visitors. If the campaign and warnings prove ineffective, rule breakers will be fined.

The Venetian Gothic architecture gem of Piran and the nearby beachside resort of Portorož attract more than a million visitors to the Piran municipality annually. Some are lacking good manners, upsetting the locals and other visitors with their behaviour.

In a bid to grapple with the problem, the municipal council passed new rules of behaviour in public spaces in May, which also include fines for those who try to "reserve" their spot under the sun by leaving unattended towels, deckchairs or other things on the beach.

Also banned is the feeding of wild animals, dumping cigarette buds into the gutters, drinking alcohol in public spaces, littering, washing cars in public spaces and parking trailers and camper vans outside designated spaces. Dog owners are required not only to pick up their pet's droppings but wash those and the urine away with water.

Flouting the ban on "towel reservations" carries a fine of €200, while the rule breaker would also be required to pay an extra €50 to cover the cost of the towel's removal by the beach manager. In introducing the ban, Piran took a cue from Bled, the popular Alpine lakeside town.

Before issuing fines, which are seen as a last resort, Piran will take a soft approach, trying to raise the visitors' and locals' awareness by means of leaflets and posters instructing them about the acceptable social etiquette.

Rok Humar, head of the Piran utilities office, says that with the rising number of visitors an increasing number of infringements have been detected such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages outdoors, damage to public equipment, inappropriate and indecent behaviour, sleeping outdoors, and pets and even people relieving themselves in public spaces.

Presenting the campaign dubbed Love Piran, Neset Dulai, director of the Piran public utility, said they want to protect Piran and Portorož and preserve them neat and clean, where they do not want to punish or draw people away, but send out the message that despite the laid-back atmosphere there are rules to follow.

The leaflets will be distributed to hotels, hospitality establishments and private accommodation providers, and the posters will be hung out at advertising spots and in Piran buses. A promotion video will also be posted on social networks to encourage young visitors to help keep the destination clean and friendly.