Latest news with #PortoCity
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Popular European city introduces new late night alcohol ban
A POPULAR European city has introduced an alcohol ban for both locals and tourists. Porto has stopped the sale of alcohol from supermarkets, convenience stores, wine cellars, and souvenir shops for nearly 12 hours in the evening 5 5 The ban is in place between the hours of 9pm and 8am. The rules came into effect on June 25 as part of the new regulations for nightlife in the city. These restrictions are not city-wide, but they do apply to the entirety of Porto 's 'Containment Zone.' This zone includes the downtown area, including Rua da Galeria de Paris, a street that's very famous for its nightlife and bars. Terraces will have limited opening hours, although there are some flexible for some in popular nightlife areas. Filipa Correia Pinto, councillor for Economic Activities, explained to that the changes are aimed at combating 'botellons'. The rules have been put in place to stop people congregating in public areas where they socialise while drinking alcohol. Inspections will be stricter and the sanctions heavier, including the closure of establishments that don't comply with the new rules. You can still drink during the later hours hours, but alcohol needs to be bought in cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. 5 5 Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its beaches, bridges and of course, port wine. If you fancy a drink, most of the port wine cellars are over the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia. The city has rambling old towns full of colourful buildings with cobbled streets and steep hills. The Ribeira district has lots of architecture to admire with colourful houses and the Dom Luís I Bridge. The Douro River is in the heart of the city and flows right around Porto. On the river you can hop on scenic cruises, wine tasting tours, and outdoor adventures. As for beaches, Praia de Matosinhos is a large sandy beach located in the town of Matosinhos, it has strong waves so is a popular spot for surfers. Praia do Senhor da Pedra in Miramar is popular with locals for its calm atmosphere and golden sands. The city's speciality is a francesinha, similar to a croque monsieur, it's filled with ham, sausage and steak, doused in melted cheese and hot tomato sauce. You can get to Porto in just over two hours from the UK. Here's more on Porto with the world's most beautiful bookshop and very famous 80p treats. And where to find the 'wine theme park' in one of Europe's cheapest cities. 5
Condé Nast Traveler
2 days ago
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
This Much-Loved European Destination Is Restricting Alcohol Sales—Here's What to Know
Porto, Portugal's second largest city, is renowned for its iconic Dom Luís I bridge, its historic Ribeira district, and, of course, its namesake port wine—a favorite fortified tipple for locals and visitors alike. However, from now on, those keen to purchase the famous drink may need to do so before 9 p.m. As of Wednesday, June 25, Porto has implemented a nighttime ban on alcohol sales from supermarkets, convenience stores, wine cellars, and souvenir shops. The ban will be effective between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Though the restrictions are not city-wide, they will apply to the entirety of Porto's 'Containment Zone,' which encompasses the downtown area, including popular nightlife hubs like Rua da Galeria de Paris. During these hours, only licensed cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. The restrictions, part of an amendment to regulations first put in place in 2023, come as Porto experiences a significant increase in visitor numbers, with people flocking to main areas to soak up the culture and the growing nightlife scene—in turn increasing disruptive drinking incidents. In particular, street gatherings, known locally as botellóns (a Spanish term for an informal, outdoor gathering of people, who meet in public spaces to socialize while drinking alcohol), have led to increased scrutiny of public behavior, and the city's mayor, Rui de Carvalho de Araújo Moreira, indicated that previous fines for non-compliance were insufficient deterrents. He explained: "What we noticed is that the successive application of fines did not dissuade [people] from continuing to violate the rules, because paying the fine was worth it, because the fines were low." Inspection bodies will now have the authority to immediately and temporarily close establishments that violate the new regulations. 'What justifies this is our conviction that this phenomenon in several parts of the city is causing harm and having an impact on urban security,' said Filipa Correia Pinto, the Councillor for Economic Activities and Inspection, as reported by Portugal News. For travelers with upcoming plans to visit Porto, know these new measures aim to improve the quality of life for residents and foster a more responsible nightlife culture—they will not detract from city's inherent charm and creative allure. Porto is beloved for its enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful patchwork facades, and breathtaking views over the Douro River. Visitors will still be able to indulge in port wine tastings at the numerous cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, explore the architectural marvels like the São Bento train station with its stunning azulejo panels, and savor exquisite Portuguese cuisine. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
