A police inspection has led to the controlled evacuation and preventive closure of the Antigo Centro Comercial de Queluz, located in Sintra, Lisbon district. Authorities identified that the commercial establishment failed to meet safety standards, jeopardizing the safety of its patrons due to overcrowding.
The police noted, “The conditions under which the activity was being conducted posed a grave and imminent risk to the safety of people and property, necessitating this urgent yet proportionate measure given the severity of the situation.”
Upon investigation, it was found that the commercial space was excessively occupied without limits on customer numbers, with a large crowd inside corridors and outside consuming alcoholic beverages.
The authorities further observed many customers in a state of intoxication, exhibiting risky behavior and causing public disturbance.
Additionally, there was a strong presence of tobacco smoke and an odor suspected to be from illegal substances inside the building, in violation of current legislation.
Both within the interior galleries and outside the building, numerous abandoned and broken alcoholic beverage bottles were found, posing an immediate risk to the physical safety of those inside and outside the venue.
The police also highlighted a lack of emergency signage and visible evacuation plans within the building, which constitutes a total breach of security norms related to Fire Safety in Buildings (SCIE).
Accessibility conditions at the establishment were compromised due to corridors being obstructed by customers and makeshift furniture, and there was a complete lack of space control and surveillance.
The Sintra Police Division also seized drugs found inside the premises.
“Given the multiple infractions noted, especially the widespread absence of safety conditions, both structurally and in risk management associated with the activities conducted there,” the space was closed as a precautionary measure, and all 257 individuals present were removed, the police stated.
