Nicosia, Cyprus. Parliament is set to vote on Thursday on proposed reforms for the catering and entertainment sector, including extended opening hours and simplified licensing. The bill also eases several regulatory requirements.
Unified closing time and possible extensions
The proposed legislation introduces a unified closing time of 3.30am for restaurants, taverns and similar leisure establishments throughout the year, replacing the current system of seasonal and categorical variations.
It also allows for further extensions during specific periods, including the Easter holidays, when operating hours may be extended to 5am by ministerial decree.
Entertainment venues such as nightclubs and music halls may also be permitted to operate until 5am under the same mechanism.
Purpose of the reform
The bill was submitted by the deputy tourism ministry and seeks to modernise a framework that the ministry said has long been complex and restrictive.
According to the ministry, the existing system includes “burdensome and anachronistic provisions” that hinder investment and create unnecessary administrative obligations for businesses.
The reform aims to streamline procedures, reduce regulatory overlap and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector.
Reclassification and regulatory changes
The legislation proposes reclassifying premises into two main categories: catering and leisure establishments, and entertainment venues, with differentiated operating conditions.
It abolishes previous classifications based on building characteristics and services offered, as well as requirements such as prior approval of price lists and overlapping permits from multiple authorities.
The proposed framework also removes certain infrastructure and staffing requirements that were previously mandatory.
How do you think the proposed unified closing time and licensing changes would affect businesses in the sector?