Authorities have reported many and serious operating violations in popular tourist and local night club areas across the country, conducting a sweeping campaign following growing concerns over unlicensed establishments, illegal alcohol sales, as well as increasing noise pollution complaints by residents in the early hours.
Over the past weekend, 69 night spots were inspected, with 20 found to be operating without the necessary permits, while most of the others were cited for selling alcoholic beverages without a license from the competent authority, as well as playing music too loud and beyond the allowed times set in the relevant legislation.
In Paphos, officers seized sound unauthorised sound equipment from two nightclubs with the owners charged with noise pollution as well as selling alcohol without a license.
The crackdown comes at a time when residents of mostly tourist areas but also other urban night club locations, supported by local authorities, have called on the government to set the owners in line, as late-night noise has become a source of frustration for citizens and perhaps more significantly it might be said, there is the potential safety hazards of unlicensed venues to consider, particularly during the peak summer period.
Police have urged the public not to refrain from reporting suspected illegal activity at night clubs in their area, making clear that there will be no let down against offending establishments.
