Tourism-related establishments in the Algarve region are closed down by ASAE
In a recent operation carried out by the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) in the popular tourist destination of Albufeira, four establishments were suspended due to violations found in the food and beverage sector.
The suspensions were not due to missing mandatory legal notices related to the sale and provision of alcohol, tobacco, among others, as a violation was already detected in earlier operations. Instead, the violations were primarily related to a lack of guarantee of the potability of water used in the businesses and a lack of prior communication.
The operation targeted businesses in sectors such as food and beverage, convenience, alcoholic beverages, grocery, and others, with the suspensions focusing on those located in areas with high tourist traffic. The suspensions were not the only actions taken during the operation, as ten misdemeanour proceedings were also initiated.
According to the Albufeira Code of Conduct for Commercial Establishments and Service Providers, various sanctions can be imposed for infractions, including the suspension of authorizations or other administrative permissions necessary for the activity, and the closure of the establishment for up to two years.
Establishments in Albufeira are required to guarantee the potability of the water used in their operations. Failure to ensure potable water can result in suspension of activities by authorities such as ASAE. There is also a requirement for prior communication to the relevant authorities before operating food and beverage businesses. Lack of this communication is considered a violation and can lead to legal action.
Food and beverage establishments must also display mandatory legal notices related to the sale and provision of alcohol, tobacco, and other regulated products. The absence of these notices is a frequent violation leading to misdemeanour proceedings.
For licensing purposes, particularly for tourist accommodation, operators must provide proof of regulation compliance, which includes health, safety, and communication obligations to the municipality.
Specific local rules include restrictions on alcohol sales in public spaces, such as the ban on street alcohol consumption between 11 pm and 8 am in Albufeira. Businesses not complying risk losing their licenses.
[1] Albufeira Municipal Council. (n.d.). Albufeira Code of Conduct for Commercial Establishments and Service Providers. Retrieved from https://www.cm-albufeira.pt/
[2] Portuguese Republic. (1982). Decree-Law no. 433/82, General Regime of Administrative Offences. Diário da República, Série I, n.º 172, 16 de Julho. Retrieved from http://www.diario-da-republica.pt/
[3] Albufeira Municipal Council. (n.d.). Regulations on Alcohol Sales in Public Spaces. Retrieved from https://www.cm-albufeira.pt/
[4] Albufeira Municipal Council. (n.d.). Regulations for Tourist Accommodation (Alojamento Local). Retrieved from https://www.cm-albufeira.pt/
In light of the Albufeira Code of Conduct for Commercial Establishments and Service Providers, a business's failure to ensure potable water can lead to administrative suspensions, and a lack of prior communication with authorities is considered a violation that can result in legal action. Additionally, businesses that neglect to display mandatory legal notices related to the sale and provision of alcohol, tobacco, and other regulated products may face misdemeanour proceedings.
