Overpass Pedestrian Crossing in Paphos Advances for Enhanced Road Safety

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 23, 2026

The construction of an overpass pedestrian crossing along Tassou Papadopoulou Avenue in Paphos has entered its implementation phase. This long-awaited project addresses the urgent need for improved road safety for hundreds of students who cross this busy artery on a daily basis, as confirmed by Paphos MP Chrysanthos Savvidis.

Project Overview And Funding Structure

In an official response from the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, Mr. Savvidis clarified that the overpass is progressing as part of Phase B of the urban road project on Tassou Papadopoulou Avenue. Notably, 80% of the project’s cost will be covered through contributions from the local authority’s budget (Municipality of Paphos), with the total investment already included in the 2026–2027 Mid-Term Fiscal Framework.

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Design Specifications And Accessibility

The planned structure, measuring approximately three meters in width and extending over 24.40 meters in length, is designed to match the exact dimensions of the avenue. With its focus on inclusive design, the overpass will feature elevators or ramps based on the detailed study to ensure complete accessibility for people with mobility challenges, children, and individuals with disabilities.

Implementation And Oversight

The project is currently in the preparatory document stage, gearing up for the competitive bidding process administered by the Department of Public Works. This department will also oversee the entire contract process, ensuring that both design and construction align with the highest standards of quality and safety.

Commitment To Community Safety

This initiative stands as more than just another infrastructure project; it represents a firm commitment to community safety. The overpass on Tassou Papadopoulou Avenue is a proactive measure intended to safeguard vulnerable road users, particularly schoolchildren, in a high-traffic area.

Industry stakeholders remain dedicated to closely monitoring the project’s progress, translating commitments into tangible outcomes that ensure safe roadways become a consistent reality for all citizens.

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New Operating Hours Law To Transform Cyprus Hospitality Industry

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Legislative Overhaul Targets Sectoral Modernization

The parliamentary Energy Committee is reviewing a proposal that could significantly reshape operating hours for hospitality and entertainment venues across Cyprus. The initiative also includes provisions for the establishment of recreational centres and is intended to close existing regulatory gaps while strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism and dining industries.

Industry Categorization and Operational Adjustments

The draft law introduces a new classification of service venues and adjusts operating schedules according to season. Following strong reactions from professional associations and other stakeholders, the government revised the bill before its submission for closed-door committee discussions. In line with parliamentary procedure, the detailed debate and final amendments will be decided exclusively by elected members of parliament.

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Seasonal Flexibility And Specific Amendments

Under the revised proposal, pubs and bars would operate on different seasonal timetables. From May 1 to September 30, opening hours would run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with an extension until 3:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. From October 1 to April 30, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, while weekend hours would extend until 3:00 AM. These changes replace earlier rules that allowed restaurants, taverns, cafés, pizzerias and snack bars to operate from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

Refined Hours For Entertainment Venues

The legislation also sets updated schedules for event halls, reception venues and music or dance centres. During the summer period, these establishments would be permitted to operate from 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with later closing times on weekends. In winter, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, again with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Earlier drafts proposed uniform early closures, but the revised version introduces more flexibility to better reflect market demand.

Local Authority Flexibility

Municipal councils would retain the right to temporarily adjust operating hours for recreational venues for up to six months per year. This provision is designed to give local authorities room to respond to tourism peaks, festivals or regional economic needs while maintaining a consistent national framework.

Final approval of the reform is expected to come from the full House of Representatives, with the bill scheduled for submission before the April session ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

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