By Christie Panayiotou
Cyprus has had a clear legal framework governing the operation of gyms since 1995. The Law on Gymnasts states that no gym can legally operate without obtaining an operating license from the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO).
To obtain a license, operators must submit a series of certificates and documents, including:
- a certificate from the Fire Service,
- a health certificate,
- approval from the Electromechanical Services,
- a planning permit,
- architectural plans,
- and the required degrees and qualifications of gym instructors.
These requirements are neither formalities nor unnecessary. They are intended to protect the safety of people who exercise, ensure that facilities are suitable and maintain the quality of services offered to the public.
More than 1,000 gyms without a license?
The findings of an audit by the Audit Service point to a serious issue, as they appear to show that the CSO is not conducting the required systematic inspections of gyms.
According to publicly available data, more than 1,000 gyms are operating in Cyprus, while only about 380 have an operating license. If these figures are confirmed, this is a situation that cannot be allowed to continue.
Businesses should not be allowed to operate without the required licenses, without having their facilities inspected or without verification that they meet safety requirements. At the same time, legally operating gyms face significant financial costs and lengthy procedures to obtain their operating licenses.
Unequal conditions and unfair competition
Legally operating gyms invest in appropriate facilities, equipment, certifications, studies and qualified staff. They pay fees, follow the required procedures and comply with the requirements set by the relevant authorities.
However, when other facilities operate without a license or before completing the required procedures, they create serious unfair competition.
Businesses that operate legally face higher costs and bureaucratic requirements, while those that bypass the rules can offer services at a lower cost without taking on the same obligations.
This is not simply unfair to professionals in the industry. It also undermines the rule of law and the credibility of the market as a whole.
The safety of people who exercise must be the top priority
The most important issue, however, is the safety of the public.
A gym serves people of different ages and fitness levels who use equipment and participate in exercise programs. For this reason, facilities must be suitable, safe and properly inspected.
It must be ensured that:
- the premises have the required planning and building approvals,
- fire safety regulations are followed,
- electromechanical installations are safe,
- health standards are met,
- equipment is properly maintained and used,
- gym instructors have the required qualifications,
- and appropriate supervision is provided during exercise.
Without meaningful inspections, no one can know whether all of these requirements are actually being met.
Members of the public have the right to know whether the facilities where they exercise are operating legally and whether they have been inspected by the relevant authorities.
The CSO and the Ministry of Education must take responsibility
The current situation requires immediate action by the relevant authorities.
As the authority responsible for licensing and supervising gyms, the CSO must enforce the law and carry out meaningful, regular and effective inspections.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education and other relevant government services must help enforce the legal framework to ensure that professionals providing exercise services have the required qualifications and that facilities operate in accordance with established standards.
We demand:
- the immediate registration of all gyms operating in Cyprus,
- the publication of the number of licensed and unlicensed facilities,
- systematic and repeated inspections by the CSO,
- the immediate investigation of complaints regarding illegal operations,
- the imposition of the prescribed penalties when violations are identified,
- simpler and faster licensing procedures without compromising safety,
- and equal treatment for all businesses in the industry.
The legislation has been in place since 1995. What appears to be missing is effective enforcement.
Legally operating gyms should not be expected to bear substantial costs and go through lengthy procedures while other facilities operate without a license and without meaningful oversight.
The safety of people who exercise, the protection of industry professionals and efforts to address unfair competition require immediate decisions and concrete action.
The CSO and the Ministry of Education must take responsibility. Laws and safety standards cannot be enforced selectively. They must apply to everyone.
