Minister orders closure of Club Vida nightclub in Albufeira, due to "practices of a criminal nature". The announcement comes shortly after a 19 year old girl was stabbed to death outside an Albufeira bar earlier this month.
The Minister of Internal Administration also called for the closure of two more nightclubs - Kady's Bar, in Almada and After Porto, in Porto - also for criminal activity. According to a source from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the closures all follow episodes of violence that took place this month in Albufeira, Almada and Porto.
The closure is for a maximum period of six months, determined by the Minister of Internal Administration “following the GNR and the PSP having collected proof of the commission of serious facts, namely of a criminal nature, which, being directly associated with the activity of these establishments, jeopardizes public order, security and tranquillity”, said a statement from José Luís Carneiro’s office.
The closure order for all three premises stipulates that "the necessary measures must be taken for their normal and regular functioning, namely in terms of creating security conditions that make the reopening of establishments possible".
The Minister of Internal Administration also asked the city councils of Almada, Albufeira and Porto to control the activity of the aforementioned nightlife spaces, namely in terms of capacity and opening hours.
Security Forces and the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority will be in charge of supervising compliance with the operating rules of the establishments, namely with regard to the safety of buildings against fire.
On Sunday April 16th a 19 year old girl died after being stabbed by a couple in the Oura area of Albufeira, while in Almada a 19 year old girl died and two others suffered minor injuries after being shot near a bar in Monte da Caparica. In Porto, a 31 year old man was injured on April 1st following a fight between rival groups.
