The commercial establishments in question were inspected as part of a monitoring operation to verify "compliance with the new legal regulations applicable to the sale and provision of alcoholic beverages, in the context of the measure recently approved by the Albufeira municipality," explained ASAE, referring to a decision adopted by the municipality to prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public spaces and its sale during certain hours and in certain areas.

"During this operation, 15 economic operators were inspected, and eight administrative offense proceedings were initiated for failure to comply with operating hours restrictions and one administrative offense proceeding for violation of the operator's duties and lack of HACCP [a protocol that ensures food safety], with a total suspension of operations ordered due to lack of hygiene," the ASAE (National Association of Food Safety and Environmental Protection) said in a statement.

ASAE emphasised that the irregularities detected also led to the application of a precautionary measure, "closing the activities of eight economic operators for failure to comply with operating hours restrictions."

With this action, called "Operation Safe Night," the ASAE intensified its monitoring of alcohol sales in Albufeira, where a municipal regulation was approved that "restricts the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on public roads in certain areas of the city with high tourist traffic, between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., with the exception of cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs," it clarified.

The exceptions for cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs apply "exclusively to consumption inside," emphasized the ASAE, which deployed personnel from the Faro and Évora Operational Units and the National Criminal Investigation and Information Unit.

ASAE indicated that inspectors monitored "commercial establishments, primarily convenience stores," which are permitted to operate between 8:00 AM and midnight, to verify compliance with "restrictions on the sale, provision, and consumption of alcoholic beverages," as well as "restrictions on operating hours."

Any violations detected regarding the operating hours restrictions will be "referred to the Albufeira City Council for investigation and decision-making," it added.

"Additionally, several food items were seized because they did not meet the required conditions for consumption or sale," ASAE also highlighted, noting the collaboration of the Albufeira Territorial Detachment of the National Republican Guard (GNR) during the operation.

On August 5, the Albufeira City Council, in the Faro district, announced that the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on public roads was restricted between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.

The measure was adopted to combat public disorder and applies to establishments located on Avenida Sá Carneiro and adjacent streets, as well as in downtown Albufeira, the municipality stated in a statement at the time.

According to the executive order, failure to comply with the ban may result in the immediate closure of establishments, and businesses that violate the rules may also be charged with the crime of disobedience.

The measure will last until October 31st, with the possibility of extension if necessary, in addition to the municipality's code of conduct, which came into effect on June 24th to prevent abusive behavior.

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