The Lisbon City Council has implemented restrictions concerning operating hours, following a request from the Metropolitan Command of the PSP, in anticipation of the football match between Sporting and Vitória SC and potential championship celebrations.
The municipality issued an order after receiving an email request from the PSP on Thursday. This order mandates the closure of nearly 20 commercial establishments in the vicinity of the José Alvalade Stadium from 1:00 PM on Saturday to 7:00 AM on Sunday.
In addition to these imposed operating hour restrictions, the council led by Carlos Moedas (PSD) also limits the operation of street vendors located on Francisco Stromp and António Stromp streets. The licensing of these street vendors is the responsibility of the Lumiar Parish Council.
Ricardo Mexia (PSD), president of the Lumiar Parish Council, stated to the Lusa news agency that the restrictions set by the PSP were “not particularly welcomed” by local vendors operating near the José Alvalade Stadium, especially the street vendors.
“We received the information from the PSP, and since the licensing is our responsibility, we contacted the vendors licensed with us, specifically the street vendors. Considering the short notice, many had already made plans and purchased goods to sell,” he noted.
In response, Ricardo Mexia mentioned that the parish council is working on finding an alternative location where approximately “half a dozen” street vendors can operate on Saturday.
“I understand the public order concerns, naturally, but I believe we must find a solution that allows those who rely on these economic activities for their livelihood not to be adversely affected, especially at such short notice,” he argued.
The football championship celebrations will also lead to the closure of around 60 commercial establishments in the Marquês de Pombal area on Saturday at 5:00 PM.
Additional restrictions are scheduled for Monday, this time around the Lisbon City Hall, where there will be a reception for the championship-winning team, either Sporting or Benfica.
Approximately twenty commercial establishments near Praça do Município will face operational restrictions from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Following the results of the Lisbon derby last weekend, decisive matches for the final day of the Primeira Liga are set for Saturday at 6:00 PM, namely Sporting-Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting de Braga-Benfica, which will determine the championship winner.
Typically, to celebrate the championship victory, fans of Benfica and Sporting gather at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and surrounding areas.
