Following the enactment of the Tourism Law - Law 9/15, of 15 June 2015 - new legal frameworks on Restaurants and Similar Activities and Tourist Facilities have been recently published. These new statutes revoke among others Decree No. 66/75, of 25 January 1975, and adjust the existing regime to the current scenario so as to ensure increased supply in the national tourism industry and improve quality of hospitality and similar services.
I. New Regime on Restaurants and Similar Activities
Presidential Decree No. 1/16, of 4 January 2016, enacts the Legal Framework on Restaurants and Similar Activities. The statute establishes the legal requirements for the installation, exploitation and operation of restaurants and other similar establishments, regardless of their typology, also setting out the fines and penalties applicable in case of infringement. The legal framework now approved enters into force ninety (90) days after its publication, i.e. on 3 April 2016, and is applicable to restaurants, canteens and dining halls. Existing restaurants and similar establishments must carry out works and install the necessary equipment to fulfil the requirements of the new statute within 2 (two) years from the date of its entry into force.
II. New Regime on Tourist Facilities
Presidential Decree 36/16, of 15 February 2016 enacts the Legal Framework on Tourist Facilities. This statute establishes the legal requirements and processes for the installation, exploitation and operation of various types of tourist facilities, including those related to their rating and construction. The legal framework now approved enters into force ninety (90) days after publication, i.e. on 15 May 2016.
Existing facilities must adjust to and comply with the applicable requirements within a year as from the entry into force of this statute, and the operating entities must file all necessary data for their registration within 60 days also from the statute entry into force. This regime is also applicable to facilities under construction or pending operating license.
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