A survey has found that the vast majority of people in Portugal believe the number of local lodging (Alojamento Local, or AL) establishments should be restricted.
Out of the 600 people queried, 77% said that limits should be imposed while 20% thought otherwise. The remaining 3% answered that they had no opinion about the subject.
Carried out by polling company Aximage, the survey aims to conclude how people feel about the new changes in AL legislation that will come into effect on Monday (October 22).
The reforms have created tighter rules for operators of AL establishments and, under the new regulations, councils will have a say in setting occupancy quotas within their municipalities.
Councils will also have the power to suspend the registration of new AL properties until they have created their own municipal regulations that establish local quotas.
As Jornal de Negócios points out, the new law was approved in July despite being voted against by PSD and CDS-PP. However, there are still many who support these changes among supporters of Portugal’s centre-right parties.
Aximage’s study says that 68.7% and 62% of those who identified themselves as PSD and CDS-PP supporters, respectively, do not think that AL businesses should be allowed to open as many establishments as they like.
The percentage is even higher among PS (77.6%), PCP (93.2%) and BE (95.6%) supporters.
Last week, Lisbon council announced that the registration of new AL properties would be suspended in five neighbourhoods – Madragoa, Castelo, Alfama, Mouraria and Bairro Alto – after implementation of the new law. However, the suspension could be extended to other popular neighbourhoods and areas such as downtown Lisbon (Baixa) and the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, Avenida da República and Avenida Almirante Reis.
In August, the Resident published an article detailing the changes to the AL regulations written by Dennis Swing Greene of euroFINESCO
As he explained, there are major changes planned. AL properties will need to have multi-risk insurance and liability coverage, an “Information Book” with rules and standards in four languages and an “AL” identification plaque.
Condominium charges may become more expensive and complaints from neighbours may lead to closings. Lastly, the holder of a Local Lodging registration must communicate to the tax authority the closure of “AL” activity within 10 days after the occurrence, as well as electronic reservation platforms, such as Airbnb or Booking.
Full article at https://www.portugalresident.com/upcoming-changes-in-local-lodging
