Albufeira restricts the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption in public spaces at night

The measure was approved at a council meeting this Tuesday (5), and covers establishments located on Avenida Sá Carneiro and adjacent streets, as well as in downtown Albufeira.

The mayor , José Carlos Rolo, emphasized the importance of the decision, which aims to "ensure the well-being of the municipality's population." The ban takes effect this Wednesday, August 6th.

Due to the multiplication of reports that have been made public about the situation experienced in the city's main nightlife areas, Albufeira City Council has decided to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption in public spaces in these locations, between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am.

The ban is already in effect and will last until October 31st, with the possibility of extension if necessary.

The proposal was approved at a council meeting this Tuesday, August 5, and covers establishments located on Avenida Sá Carneiro and adjacent streets, as well as in the downtown area of the city.

According to the adopted text, it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages and related products for consumption outside of establishments.

The goal is to prevent public disorder caused by excessive alcohol consumption. During this period, the sale of these products will only be permitted for consumption inside establishments.

The mayor explains that "the decision follows the entry into force of the Code of Conduct, and its main objective is to ensure the well-being of the municipality's population."

José Carlos Rolo emphasizes the urgency of the measure, and recalls that "in recent months, reports have been arriving of situations that forced us to act without hesitation."

For the mayor, "this decision aims to send a signal that we are attentive to the evolution of the situation, and that we will not hesitate to take other measures if they prove necessary."

The possibility of permanently restricting the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption abroad is currently under analysis, particularly as part of the review of the Regulation on Opening Hours for Commercial and Service Establishments of the Municipality of Albufeira (590/2018).

Although the process is at an advanced stage, it won't be completed before the end of the peak tourist season in the municipality. For this reason, José Carlos Rolo explains that "it was necessary to adopt measures to resolve the situation immediately."

Last week, Albufeira City Council announced that 40 GNR officers would be added to the municipality to increase security at one of the country's main tourist destinations, following a request from the municipality to the government.

Today, the GNR reported that it arrested 18 people and seized more than three thousand doses of drugs in Albufeira, in recent days, mainly in nightlife venues .