The third change to the regulations, which came into force on 1 March 2023, also includes the expansion of the so-called containment zone, which will cover practically the entire downtown area of ​​Porto.

In this area, the sale of alcoholic beverages after 9pm is only permitted in cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Establishments such as supermarkets, convenience stores, souvenir shops and wine cellars are excluded.

Still in the containment zone, terraces will now have limited opening hours, although there are some flexible opening hours for terraces in the three areas of the nightlife (the nightlife core, the protected area and the containment area).

The Councillor for Economic Activities and Inspection, Filipa Correia Pinto, guaranteed that there will be “very strict” inspections with “heavy” sanctions, to “strengthen people’s sense of security and to guarantee the organisation of public spaces”.

Another “significant” change, according to the mayor, is the review of the sanctioning framework that applies to violations of the rules of the regulation, with the introduction of a mechanism for the precautionary closure of the establishment.

In “certain circumstances, and duly justified”, the inspection bodies may “immediately close an establishment that is not complying, with an impact on the safety and comfort of those who frequent the place”, he explained, adding that temporary closure is also foreseen as an additional sanction.

In addition, economic agents who have a record of convictions for infractions will no longer be able to access the extended opening hours.

In statements to Lusa on Monday, the president of the Association of Bars and Nightclubs of Movida do Porto admitted that the new rules of the regulation, with harsher sanctions, may help combat problems, but they do not solve them.

“All measures are welcome, but they do not solve it. The issue of ‘botellons’ (informal street drinking gatherings) is an important issue, because it is often made with drinks that people bring from home or buy in supermarkets during the day and, therefore, it is not the establishments that sell the drinks so that people can make these ‘botellons’ on the street”.

The president of the Portuguese Association of Bars and Nightclubs, Ricardo Tavares, said he had doubts that the new rules for Porto's nightlife would solve the problem of the 'botellon' phenomenon.

“Operationally, I don't think this will bring any improvements to the city, or to those who live there. It will only bring more problems for the business owners, who already have many,” said Ricardo Tavares.

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