The new rules for the operation of nightlife and commercial establishments in some of Albufeira’s busiest areas are generating concern among local business owners, who fear economic consequences at a time when the high tourist season is about to reach its peak. The city hall’s decision comes with the aim of combating excesses associated with nightlife, but traders say they were surprised by the way the measures were implemented.
According to the newspaper, the transitional order covers areas such as Oura, Avenida Sá Carneiro, downtown and the historic center of Albufeira. The new rules determine that convenience stores, grocery stores and wineries close at 11 pm, while bars are allowed to open until 3 am and nightclubs until 5 am. The initiative is the result of a promise made during the electoral campaign by Rui Cristina, president of Albufeira City Council, who defended a firmer intervention on the problems associated with nightlife.
Businesspeople speak of surprise and lack of dialogue
Although they recognize that there were problematic situations in some areas of the city, the businesspeople guarantee that they were available to participate in the definition of balanced solutions. Discontent arises mainly due to the lack of prior consultation and the speed with which the new rules come into force.
Representatives of the sector had expressed, during the month of May, their willingness to collaborate with the city hall in the search for answers to the problems identified. However, a few days later they were faced with the publication of the order. Among businesspeople there is fear that the limitations will have a direct impact on economic activity during the months of greatest tourist demand. Some managers even describe the environment experienced in the sector as one of strong apprehension in the face of a change considered unexpected.
New requirements arrive this month
The changes are not limited to opening hours. Establishments covered by the new rules will also have to comply with requirements related to noise control, one of the issues that has generated the most complaints over recent years.
According to the same source, spaces will have to install noise limiters and meters this month. The city recognizes that adaptation may pose challenges for some operators, but considers that the measures are necessary. The decision comes after, last year, the municipality advanced a code of behavior on public roads designed to respond to episodes of excess that were repeated in certain areas of the city.
Tourism continues to grow despite the controversy
The debate comes at a particularly sensitive time for the municipality, which continues to present very impressive tourism indicators and hopes to receive even more visitors this summer. Therefore, many businesspeople argue that changes of this size should have been prepared in advance.
The Albufeira Commercial Association estimates that the number of visitors during high season could reach four million this year. According to the same source, last summer alone around 3.2 million overnight stays were recorded in the municipality. These numbers help explain the concern of the sector, which fears that restrictions introduced at the beginning of the tourist season could have an impact on economic activity. The city council understands that the measures should have been adopted longer ago and considers that their implementation is necessary to ensure a greater balance between tourist activity, the functioning of businesses and the quality of life of residents and visitors.
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