“Although we understand the need to ensure public order, we cannot overlook the economic impact of this measure, especially for businesses relying on public influx on busy days,” stated AHRESP in response to Lusa agency.
The Lisbon City Council, through a municipal decree, has mandated that nearly 60 restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets around Marquês de Pombal and Parque Eduardo VII must close by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, due to potential celebrations for the winning team of the football league’s top division.
The decision is justified “due to security concerns” and at the request of the Public Security Police (PSP), in light of the possibility that the Portuguese football title could be decided on Saturday during the Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting, scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. at Estádio da Luz.
Traditionally, to celebrate the championship victory, fans from both clubs gather at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and surrounding areas.
According to AHRESP, the early closure of establishments on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. compromises “the second busiest revenue period of the week.”
While acknowledging that “this is not the first time” establishments have been forced to close for preventative reasons related to sports celebrations, the association emphasizes that it understands “public safety must always be a priority” and notes that the measure aims to “prevent potential public disorder situations,” in an expected context of large crowds and collective euphoria.
“This is an exceptional and unavoidable situation, determined based on risk assessments conducted by security forces, with no alternatives ensuring the same levels of safety,” it stated.
Despite understanding the time restriction, AHRESP is concerned about the economic impact on food and beverage entrepreneurs and has been “in touch with the Lisbon City Council from the outset” to highlight the “losses” this decision represents for affected establishments.
Ensuring continued monitoring of the situation, maintaining dialogue with the city council and relevant authorities, the association emphasizes its readiness to support its members in managing the impacts of this measure, as well as “seeking more balanced and fair future solutions.”
Sharing a similar perspective, the Avenida da Liberdade Association states that the time restriction affects commercial activity in the area but acknowledges that the measure “is unavoidable, also for safety reasons,” and thus entrepreneurs must accept it “with civic responsibility, to avoid bigger problems.”
This association represents about 150 business owners in commerce, food services, tourism, culture, and offices in the Avenida da Liberdade area, one of Lisbon’s main thoroughfares connecting the Marquês de Pombal square to Restauradores square.
In comments to Lusa, the president of the Avenida da Liberdade Association, Pedro Mendes Leal, indicates the restriction “affects all economic activity on the avenue because some are forced to close, and others that remain open are also impacted by the unusual commotion.”
Asked whether some establishments, including luxury stores, might choose to close earlier on Saturday on their own, the official says he lacks that information, noting that it is up to each business owner “to take the precautions they deem necessary.”
