Alcohol sales in popular Algarve holiday destination are now limited
The charming coastal town of Albufeira in Portugal has introduced new restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption in public spaces, effective immediately and lasting until October 31st, 2025.
The ban, which prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages and related products for consumption outside of establishments, is in force between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. in designated nightlife areas such as Avenida Sá Carneiro, adjacent streets, and Baixada Santista. These restrictions specifically apply to establishments located in these areas, which can only sell alcohol for consumption inside their premises during the restricted hours.
The measure aims to prevent public disorder linked to excessive drinking in public spaces. Authorities have warned that failure to comply could result in businesses losing their licenses. The mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, emphasized the urgency of the measure and recalled recent incidents that necessitated immediate action.
This decision is part of a broader Code of Conduct that the city council has recently enacted. The goal of the ban is to maintain order and safety in public spaces, particularly in the city's main nightlife areas. Albufeira, a tourist hotspot in the Algarve region, has seen an increasing number of reports about the situation in its nightlife areas, prompting the city council to take action.
The ban extends to downtown Albufeira, where it applies to establishments on Rua do MFA, Rua dos Telheiros, Rua Cândido dos Reis, Rua 5 de Outubro, Rua Alves Reis, Rua Ferreira de Castro, Rua Gonçalo de Lagos, Travessa 5 de Outubro, Travessa Cândido dos Reis, Avenida 25 de Abril, Avenida da Liberdade, Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, Cais Herculano, and Praça dos Pescadores.
The mayor, José Carlos Rolo, stated that the measure aims to ensure the well-being of the municipality's population. He emphasized that the city council will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action if necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for both residents and tourists.
[1] Albufeira City Council Press Release, [Link to Press Release] [2] Algarve Daily News, "Albufeira Implements Alcohol Sales Ban in Nightlife Areas," [Link to Article] [3] Portugal News, "Albufeira Cracks Down on Public Drinking with New Alcohol Sales Ban," [Link to Article]
- The new policy-and-legislation implemented by Albufeira City Council, which involves a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in public spaces, is aimed at politics focusing on maintaining order and safety in the city's main nightlife areas, following recent reports of public disorder.
- The ban on the sale of alcohol for consumption in public spaces in Albufeira, Portugal, is part of a broader Code of Conduct enacted by the city council, and affects several downtown areas such as Rua do MFA, Rua dos Telheiros, and Praça dos Pescadores, among others.
- The general-news outlets Algarve Daily News and Portugal News have covered the story of Albufeira implementing an alcohol sales ban in nightlife areas, with authorities warning businesses of potential license losses for non-compliance, with the objective of preventing public disorder and ensuring the well-being of the municipality's population.
