Porto, one of Portugal’s top tourist destinations, has introduced new alcohol restrictions aimed at reducing public disturbances in its downtown nightlife areas. Starting Wednesday, June 25, the sale of alcohol from supermarkets, wine shops, convenience stores, and souvenir shops is banned between 9 PM and 8 AM within the city’s designated “Containment Zone,” as per a report by Conde Nast Traveller. This area includes popular spots such as Rua da Galeria de Paris, which attract large numbers of locals and tourists, especially at night.
The updated rules are part of a 2023 regulation amendment and follow a rise in street drinking gatherings known as botellons, which have drawn criticism for disrupting public order. These gatherings typically involve groups consuming alcohol in public spaces late into the night.
Under the new rules, only licensed cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can sell alcohol during the restricted hours. Local officials say earlier penalties were not enough to deter violations.
“What we noticed is that the successive application of fines did not dissuade economic agents from continuing to violate the rules, because paying the fine was worth it, because the fines were low,” said Mayor Rui de Carvalho de Araújo Moreira.
Authorities now have the power to temporarily shut down businesses that do not comply with the new regulation. The city’s Councillor for Economic Activities and Inspection stated, “What justifies this is our conviction that this phenomenon in several parts of the city is causing harm and having an impact on urban security.”
The city government says the goal is to improve quality of life for residents and promote safer nightlife without discouraging tourism.
Visitors can still enjoy Porto’s well-known experiences, including port wine tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, sightseeing at historic locations like São Bento Station, and sampling traditional cuisine. The regulation only limits off-premises alcohol sales in specific areas during set hours.
The updated rules are part of a 2023 regulation amendment and follow a rise in street drinking gatherings known as botellons, which have drawn criticism for disrupting public order. These gatherings typically involve groups consuming alcohol in public spaces late into the night.
Under the new rules, only licensed cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can sell alcohol during the restricted hours. Local officials say earlier penalties were not enough to deter violations.
“What we noticed is that the successive application of fines did not dissuade economic agents from continuing to violate the rules, because paying the fine was worth it, because the fines were low,” said Mayor Rui de Carvalho de Araújo Moreira.
Authorities now have the power to temporarily shut down businesses that do not comply with the new regulation. The city’s Councillor for Economic Activities and Inspection stated, “What justifies this is our conviction that this phenomenon in several parts of the city is causing harm and having an impact on urban security.”
The city government says the goal is to improve quality of life for residents and promote safer nightlife without discouraging tourism.
Visitors can still enjoy Porto’s well-known experiences, including port wine tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, sightseeing at historic locations like São Bento Station, and sampling traditional cuisine. The regulation only limits off-premises alcohol sales in specific areas during set hours.
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