Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs voted to extend the period during which hotels and tourist accommodation premises operating without a full permit may continue to operate, setting a new deadline of December 31, 2028. The government bill passed with 25 votes in favour, one against, and 15 abstentions.
Parliament vote and reactions
Disy MP Kyriacos Hadjiyianni, who abstained in the House plenum, said successive extensions do not solve the problem, stating that some 850 units are operating without a framework.
Akel MP Costas Costa said three extensions had already been granted to the hotels previously and argued that fewer than 25 per cent of the premises are licensed. He said some premises face legitimate difficulties in obtaining a full permit, while others do not act because they expect another extension.
Details of the legislation
The law extends a transitional regime for businesses that have yet to secure an operating permit, while requiring them to meet specific safety and health conditions in the meantime.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism said the measure is intended to allow such premises to remain open within a defined timeframe while they regularise urban planning violations and comply with safety-related requirements.
Do you think further extensions should be granted if many premises remain unlicensed?
