The Municipality of Athens will temporarily close 38 businesses in the city center starting Friday, following inspections that revealed illegal use of public space, including unauthorized tables and seating. The closures will run from September 5 to 19.
“Where illegal tables exist, there will be a closure. We are not intimidated, we will not back down. The law will be applied without exceptions or loopholes. These closures are not punishment but a matter of justice for society,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. He added that the measures support law-abiding business owners and aim to maintain a functional and fair city.
Most of the businesses affected—33 out of 38—are located in the 1st Municipal Community, which covers central Athens, including the commercial triangle. Three are in the 2nd Community (Mets, Neos Kosmos, Agios Artemios, Pagkrati) and two in the 3rd Community (Votanikos, Metaxourgeio, Gazi, Petralona, Rouf, Thiseio).
Since the start of the year, authorities have signed orders to close 64 other establishments, bringing the total to 102 closures.
City officials emphasized that inspections and enforcement actions will continue to ensure public spaces are used legally, in line with new regulations and the ongoing policy to reclaim public areas for the benefit of citizens.
