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Businesses Affected as Compulsory Early Closures Impact Cafes and Eateries

AHRESP, the Portuguese Association for Hotels, Restaurants, and Similar Establishments, voices worries over the financial repercussions arising from the premature weekend shutdown of...

AHRESP, the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant, and Related Association, has voiced worries over the...
AHRESP, the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant, and Related Association, has voiced worries over the financial repercussions of the premature closing on Saturday, which affects...

Businesses Affected as Compulsory Early Closures Impact Cafes and Eateries

In response to the potential celebrations following the champion of Portugal's main football league, the Lisbon City Council has imposed early closures on nearly 60 restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets located in the Marquês de Pombal and Parque Eduardo VII areas. This decision, justified for security reasons, was made following a request from the Public Security Police (PSP).

The Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP) has voiced concerns over the financial implications of these early closures, particularly as many businesses depend on the influx of customers on busy days. AHRESP emphasized that these early closures, starting from 5 PM on Saturdays, compromise the second period of the highest weekly revenue for these establishments.

The association acknowledged that public safety is paramount, as celebrating football title wins often sees fans gathering at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and the surrounding area. However, they stressed that the measure is aimed at avoiding potential situations of public disorder, given the predictable context of large crowds and collective euphoria.

The Avenida da Liberdade Association, representing around 150 businesspeople in the area, concurs that the time restriction affects commercial activity in the region. Yet, they acknowledge the necessity of the measure for security reasons, albeit with a call for affected business owners to accept it with civic sense to avoid greater problems.

The mayor emphasizes the importance of public safety, allowing people to celebrate in a controlled environment. Nevertheless, the economic concerns of businesses, such as Bruno Sá's restaurant, a popular fan spot, are not ignored. These businesses face financial losses during what would typically be a busy and profitable time, missing out on potential revenue from customers who would normally visit during those hours.

  1. The unexpected early closures of restaurants and cafes in Lisbon have raised concerns within the tourism industry, as many businesses rely heavily on revenue from football fans during busy days.
  2. The Portuguese government is now considering revising its policy-and-legislation on crowd management, taking into account the financial implications for businesses in areas like Marquês de Pombal and Parque Eduardo VII.
  3. Meanwhile, the general-news media is reporting on the impact of these early closures on local businesses, with a focus on the football-oriented establishments in the European leagues.
  4. Sports analysts are starting to discuss the potential consequences of COVID-19-related policy changes on sporting events, such as the Champions League, with the fear that stricter regulations could lead to fewer spectators and decreased revenue for the teams.
  5. Amid these developments, politicians are urging for a balance between public safety and economic prosperity, recognizing the significant role that tourism and businesses play in Portugal's overall development and stability.

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