The Porto Municipal Assembly approved new regulations for street entertainers by majority vote during a Thursday night session, following three postponed votes and rounds of public consultation. The regulation aims to address conflicts in public spaces more effectively.

As in the executive meeting, the BE and CDU municipal groups voted against the proposal.

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The Socialist group supported the document, stating that it promotes good coexistence among entertainers, residents, and businesses and allows for better management of public spaces.

The PSD echoed support for the regulation, stating that it aims to promote fair coexistence and acknowledges the role of artists, marking a significant advance in public space management.

Both the sole PAN and Chega deputies emphasized the broad public participation involved in developing the regulation.

Reactions from Municipal Leaders

Deputy Susana Constante Pereira from BE noted that the changes between the initial regulation draft and the current version were minimal, except for the addition of the commission and reduced fees. She called for an assessment of the regulation’s impact.

Francisco Calheiros from CDU acknowledged the participatory process involved in developing the regulation but criticized it as “too permissive for not adequately protecting residents.

He said:

I fear that it will lead to an excessive professionalization of the activity.

Mayor Rui Moreira of Porto responded by expressing shared concerns with CDU, noting that this regulation is a model that can be improved and emphasizing that efforts were made to address various conflicting viewpoints.

MP Pedro Schuller, from the Rui Moreira: Aqui Há Porto movement, highlighted that the document acknowledges the cultural value artists bring to the streets of Porto. He also emphasized that the pilot program should undergo continuous improvements.

Key Features of the Regulation

The regulation permits performances using sound amplification, provided that the system’s total power does not exceed 50 watts or project sound above 75 decibels at a distance of 10 meters.

Entertainers must request permission to use sound amplifiers when applying for a license to occupy public space.

Two designated areas are available for performances: Zone B, with higher tourist activity in the city center, and Zone A, with lower tourist pressure, encompassing all parishes except the historic center.

In Zone A, entertainers do not have to pay any fees. In Zone B, there is a 70% reduction on the municipal fee, which is currently set at one euro per day. If this fee remains unchanged, entertainers in Zone B will pay just 30 cents per day.

Performance Regulations and Restrictions

Performances are permitted from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, they cannot be held near residential buildings between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, nor in proximity to schools or health facilities.

Additionally, entertainers must maintain a distance of at least five meters from any intersection or crosswalk, and performances are prohibited in front of entrances or steps at trains, metro, and other stations.

Prohibited Locations

The following locations are closed to activities:

• Avenida dos Aliados
• Praça do General Humberto Delgado
• Praça D. João I
• Largo Amor de Perdição
• Sidewalk in front of the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
• Areas within 10 meters of bus stops

Committee Formation

In response to a suggestion from the Union of Entertainment, Audiovisual, and Musicians Workers (CENA-STE), the regulation will create a committee that includes:

• The Tourism Councillor
• Representatives from the Municipal Assembly
• Members from Ágora
• CENA-STE
• The Porto Traders’ Association
• Parish Assemblies
• Municipal Police
• The Association of Tenants and Condominium Owners of Northern Portugal

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