Portugal is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant cities, historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. If you are visiting Portugal, you are likely to spend some time in Porto, the second-largest city known for its stately bridges and port wine production. Many tourists head especially to Porto for the special red wine known for its sweetness, rich flavour, and high alcohol content. The streets of Porto are famous for 'botellon' - a Spanish drinking culture wherein people meet outdoors to drink alcohol and socialise in public spaces.
While many consider 'botellon' to be a charming and exciting aspect of the city, reports suggest the trend has led to a significant increase in the number of visitors, who flock to the main areas to experience the growing nightlife scene. This has increased disruptive drinking incidents in the city.
New Ban On Sale Of Alcohol In Porto
In order to improve the quality of Porto's nightlife, a new rule has come into place from June 25, 2025, banning the sale of alcohol from supermarkets, convenience stores, wine cellars and souvenir shops from 9 pm to 8 am in Porto's 'Containment Zone', reported TimeOut. The Containment Zone comprises the entire downtown area of Porto, including popular nightlife areas like Rua da Galeria de Paris.
Only cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs will be allowed to sell alcohol within that time frame. The move is believed to help crack down on public drinking at night and improve the quality of life for residents.
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How Will The Ban Be Implemented?
According to the Portugal News, the inspection bodies may "immediately close an establishment that is not complying" with the rules of the regulation. The strict action comes after mayor Filipa Correia Pinto noted that "the successive application of fines did not dissuade economic agents from continuing to violate the rules, because paying the fine was worth it because the fines were low."
The new restrictions are part of an amendment to regulations first put in 2023, and also include the expansion of the Containment Zone.
Despite the alcohol sale restriction at night, Porto remains a charming European city worth adding to your bucket list, with its beautiful streets, cafes, Sao Francisco Church, Dom Luis I bridge, and its historic Ribeira district.
