The proposals include the closure of establishments up to 100 m² selling alcohol at 10 pm, and a ban on the sale of drinks to take out from 1 am, for areas such as Bairro Alto, Bica, Cais do Sodré, and Santos.
This measure is part of broader efforts to strike a balance between economic activity and residents' right to rest.
In a private meeting of the municipal executive, the proposals were presented by the councillor for Economy and Innovation, Diogo Moura (CDS-PP), and “their main objective is to establish mechanisms that guarantee a balance between the right to rest and economic activity in the city”.
One of the changes proposed to the regulation is that “minimarkets, grocery stores, wine stores and similar establishments that are less than 100 square meters and that sell alcoholic beverages after 10:00 pm will have their opening hours equivalent to those of convenience stores, limiting its operation at this time.”
It is also expected that in establishments with more than 100 m² considered “problematic in terms of alcohol consumption or purchase of alcohol”, the council may decide, “by order, to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages”, said the mayor.
Another measure will be the obligation for terraces with sound amplification and establishments with television to have a sound limiter, according to the approved proposal, also providing that the opening hours of the terraces will be different from the establishments of which they are part, with the aim of the time limit at midnight.
Quoted in a statement, councilor Diogo Moura argued that “priority is being given to the quality of life of Lisbon residents”, noting that economic activity and nightlife in Lisbon have changed since the current regulation came into force in 2016, and “it is necessary to adjust it to the dynamics of those who live, those who work and those who play in today’s city”.
“I believe that this is a balanced solution, which seeks to defend the right to rest for Lisbon residents, but which also guarantees that economic activity develops”, stated the councillor for Economy and Innovation, highlighting that the approved proposals are now moving to the development phase with a 30-day public consultation.
Will it apply to the many prostitution clubs close to Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon too or those are exempt to abide the Law and why?
By Diogo F. from Lisbon on 10 Feb 2024, 18:16