By: CECÍLIA PIRES
BARS AND nightclubs across the Algarve are coming under increased scrutiny from the police to ensure all regulations are being adhered to as the busy summer season gets into full swing.
Officers are making unannounced inspections to ensure the establishments are meeting all regulations relating to noise, private security and copyright laws.
One high profile inspection took place in the early hours of Friday, soon after an incident involving agents from the fiscal brigades of the GNR and security staff from Manta Beach, a nightclub near Vila Real de Santo António, although authorities said the visit was in response to complaints about excessive noise from local residents.
A group of five agents from the GNR fiscal brigades was involved in a scuffle with security staff of the nightclub on August 7.
According to the Portuguese news agency Lusa, the case is presently being investigated by the Public Prosecutor who aims to clarify the circumstances of the incident as the agents were, allegedly, off duty at the time.
The loud noise from the club until the early hours has already led to several complaints from residents and tourists staying in the surrounding areas.
Following this incident, the bar was inspected by several police departments the day after. The GNR fiscal brigade that carried out the inspection found numerous problems with the complaints book, the absence of mandatory information relating to drinking in public areas and the absence of work permits for some of the employees.
The operation, which also involved agents from ASAE, Finanças and the Inspecção-geral das Actividades Culturais, also saw the seizure of 33 pirated cds, three cd players and several items of sophisticated sound equipment.
Noisy
Meanwhile, in the Loulé area, 11 bars and nightclubs were inspected in the early hours of Sunday, including the well-known T-Club of Quinta do Lago.
The inspections resulted in a total of 17 police reports. According to police sources, these related to private security staff work permits, noise levels and special licences for noise, and copyright laws. A total of 300 cds were confiscated.
Although these operations appear coordinated, they are actually planned locally and independently by the commanders of each division.
According to Major João Antunes, spokesman for Faro GNR operational command, “these procedures are very common at this time of year”. Some of the nightclubs, he adds, “are only open in the summer and it’s important to ensure they keep their licences in order”.
The Resident understands that inspections are planned over the coming weeks at establishments in the west of the region.
Major Vitor Calado, spokesman for the Portimão Command of the GNR, said: “These procedures can be triggered by complaints from residents or as a result of regular planning.”
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