Portugal’s lively city of Porto, renowned for its historical monuments and famous port wine, has unveiled a new law prohibiting the sale of alcohol at night in primary locations in an effort to combat the increasing phenomenon of public drunkenness. Famous for its boisterous ‘botellon’ culture—where individuals socialise and consume alcohol outdoors to continue drinking into the early hours of the morning—the city has witnessed an increase in rowdy episodes as a result of tourists flocking to this nightlife.
New Ban on Alcohol Sales Begins on June 25, 2025
Alcohol sales in supermarkets, convenience stores, wine cellars, and souvenir shops will no longer be permitted from 9 pm until 8 am in Porto’s ‘Containment Zone’, which spans the whole downtown core, including areas known for nightlife such as Rua da Galeria de Paris, beginning on June 25, 2025, reports TimeOut. Only cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will be permitted to sell alcohol during those hours.
That action is intended to decrease late-night street drinking and improve local residents’ quality of life.
Strong Enforcement with Potential Immediate Closures
The Portugal News writes that the inspection agencies have the authority to close immediately any establishment infringing on the new regulations. Mayor Filipa Correia Pinto clarified the need for stronger action by stating:
“Fines were applied successively without discouraging economic agents from continuing to break the rules, because it was worth paying the fine since the fines were small.”
These new curbs add to rules that came into effect in 2023 and increase the size of the Containment Zone.
Porto Remains a Must-Visit City Despite New Rules
Regardless of the night alcohol sales ban, Porto remains to captivate tourists with its lovely streets, monuments such as São Francisco Church and Dom Luis I bridge, busy cafes, and iconic Ribeira area, which make it one of the best European destinations to visit.
