How Rupert Everett Became the Hero of Venice's Bathing Classes

The actor Rupert Everett was yesterday hailed as the champion of Italy's sun-worshipers and swimmers after taking on Venice city council over free access to the sea.

The star of My Best Friend's Wedding, in Venice for the film festival, became a hero of the bathing classes after visiting the renowned beach of the Lido.

Because of a clause in the 2007 budget, access to the Italian coastline is now free. Owners of beach facilities can still charge for the hire of sun loungers and umbrellas, but they are no longer allowed to make people pay to just swim or sunbathe.

In theory. However, many beach businesses continue to charge an entrance fee of up to €10 (£7). The British actor spread out his towel by the water's edge - and was promptly thrown off the beach. The same thing has happened to hundreds of Italians, as the websites of consumer organizations testify. But it seems to have taken a Briton - possessed of the odd notion that rules are rules - to do something about it. The newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the 48-year-old actor promptly reported Venice city council for failing to uphold the law.

"It is unacceptable that there are no free beaches in the entire area of the festival," the paper quoted him as saying, dubbing him "the paladin of free beaches".

Paolo Landi from one consumer association, Adiconsum, said his organisation would sponsor Everett's legal action. Michele Cavuoti, the head of Altroconsumo, said Everett versus Venice city council would be a test case. "The issue is the division between what you can and cannot do on the water's edge," he said. "Walk? Sit? Or spread out your towel while you take a dip?"