The City of Athens has ordered the temporary closure of 23 more businesses for illegally occupying public spaces, as part of its ongoing campaign to ensure accessibility in streets, sidewalks, and squares.
According to the municipality, nine establishments will be sealed on Friday, September 19, for a period of 4 to 10 days due to excessive or unauthorized use of public space. Fourteen additional closures are scheduled for next week.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stressed that the crackdown will continue against businesses that disregard the law. “We will keep shutting down shops that encroach on public space. Athens belongs to all its citizens, not to the few who think they can escape consequences through loopholes,” Doukas said. “Streets, sidewalks, and squares are not for rent. The rules apply to everyone, and our tolerance for illegality is zero.”
The nine closures planned for September 19 affect four businesses in the city’s Historic Triangle (Aiolou, Ermou, Agia Irini Square, Mitropoleos), two in Kolonaki, two in Thiseio, and one in Monastiraki.
Since the beginning of the year, Athens authorities have issued a total of 116 shop closures for similar violations.
Source: tovima.com
