Breaking news

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Economic Sentiment Edges Higher In June As Retail, Construction And Consumers Improve

Cyprus recorded a marginal improvement in economic sentiment in June 2026, according to the latest Economic Sentiment Surveys, with the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) rising by 0.2 points from May.

The surveys, conducted monthly by the University of Cyprus Economic Research Centre in collaboration with RAI Consultants, track how businesses and households view current conditions and their expectations for the months ahead.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Retail, Construction And Consumers Lift The Index

The increase in the ESI was driven by stronger confidence in retail trade, construction and among consumers, offsetting weaker sentiment in the services sector. Despite the modest gain, the index remained above its long-term average of 100 points.

Sector Performance Remains Uneven

Retail and construction recorded improved sentiment, reflecting more positive assessments of current conditions and stronger expectations for the coming quarter. By contrast, confidence in services weakened as businesses reported less favourable assessments of current activity and lower expectations for turnover.

Manufacturing sentiment remained broadly unchanged, with weaker production expectations offset by an improvement in assessments of finished goods inventories.

Consumer Confidence Strengthens For A Second Month

Consumer confidence improved for a second consecutive month, supported by more optimistic expectations for household finances and the wider economy. At the same time, households reported a less favourable assessment of their recent financial situation.

Uncertainty Rises, But Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated

The Economic Uncertainty Indicator increased in June, although it remained below the levels recorded in March and April. The rise was driven mainly by services, construction and households.

Price expectations also remained elevated, indicating that inflationary pressures persist, albeit at a more moderate pace.