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Cyprus Resubmits Hospitality Bill With Extended Hours Under Review

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 31, 2026

Resubmission Sparks Renewed Legislative Scrutiny

The government resubmitted a revised bill regulating hospitality operations after withdrawing the initial draft minutes before its planned presentation in Parliament. Review of the proposal is now underway in the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce.

Originally developed by political parties, the measure was later reintroduced by Kyriakos Chatzigiannis following committee recommendations. Lawmakers aim to secure approval before the current Parliament is dissolved.

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Intense Debate Over Operating Hours And Noise Regulations

Strong reactions followed the withdrawal, as lawmakers noted the draft had been reviewed for more than five months across ten sessions. Debate centered on operating hours and noise regulations. Across political groups, positions diverged on late-night limits and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Provisions Of The Revised Bill

Changes agreed within the Committee on Commerce include extended operating hours for hospitality venues. Under the proposal, taverns and pubs could operate until 3:30 a.m. throughout the year. Music and dance venues may remain open until 5:00 a.m. following a ministerial decree. Authority to extend operating hours beyond 3:30 a.m., up to 5:00 a.m., rests with the Energy Minister upon proposal from the Deputy Minister of Tourism. Existing unlicensed venues operating before the law takes effect may apply for permits if requirements are met, excluding private clubs.

Decentralizing Licensing Authority

Responsibility for licensing shifts to local and community councils, replacing the previous centralized role of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. In regional areas, the Interior Minister may delegate licensing powers for recreational spaces, with exemptions applying to hotel-casino establishments.

Ensuring Compliance And Accountability

Oversight will be handled through a centralized registry maintained by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, alongside inspections. Where necessary, authorities may require corrective actions in coordination with licensing bodies. Requirements are also adjusted, including the removal of the risk assessment letter from the Labor Inspection Service. Banquet halls are exempt from displaying service price lists.

Further review is scheduled at the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce on Tuesday. Final approval depends on resolving disagreements over operating hours and enforcement rules.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.