Since March and the start of the coronavirus epidemic, bars and nightclubs in Portugal have been closed. However, they should be able to reopen very soon: this is what the Publico newspaper reports. The rules applied will be the same as those applied to tea rooms: closing at 8 p.m. and of course no dance floor. The night sector will have to adapt. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal.
Reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal, but closing at 8 p.m. and without a dance floor
It was a much anticipated announcement in the Nightlife. The Portuguese executive will allow bars and clubs to regain a certain “normality”. These establishments will be able to use the outdoor space (when they have one) as a terrace and occupy the dance floor with tables, in compliance with the rules of social distance decreed by the Portuguese General Directorate of Health. However, they will not be able to serve meals like restaurants, limiting themselves to light meals.
Much like in other European countries, Portugal will therefore ban dancing in its discotheques. Also, the closing time will be 8 p.m., that is to say that bars and clubs will not be able to operate at night. The residents of Bairro Alto will be able to sleep peacefully.
As for the catering itself, the Portuguese Council of Ministers will also bring news, adds the newspaper Público, since its opening hours will be extended, with a closing time scheduled for midnight (compared to 11 p.m. currently), and a full closure (all customers outside) at 1 a.m. maximum.
This rule will also be applied to the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML), where a rule is currently in effect for all other establishments closing at 8 p.m. According to the Portuguese daily, this measure should continue for the moment, as announced by the Minister of the Interior Eduardo Cabrita.
