Nightclubs until five in the morning, restaurants until 1:30: new rules in Cyprus

The Cyprus Parliament has approved a legislative initiative changing the operating hours of entertainment venues. The purpose of the innovation is to modernize and regulate the sector, which until now was in a state of uncertainty and legal chaos. President of the All-Cyprus Association of Entertainment Centers, Nikos Vassiliou, noted that the law aims to create a stable and understandable framework for all market participants.

According to Vassiliou, the opponents of the innovation are "well-known figures who always want something different." In his view, their approach does not fit within the framework of the updated legislation. He emphasized that such entrepreneurs essentially seek to violate the rules, ignore established operating hours, and thereby undermine stability in the sector.

According to the adopted law, new operating hours for different categories of establishments are now clearly defined:

Restaurants may operate until 1:30 a.m. Previously, they could stay open until 3:30 a.m., but music was allowed only until midnight.

Bars and pubs may operate until 2:30 a.m.

Music and dance centers, discos, cabarets, and venues with live music must close no later than 5:00 a.m.

Indoor wedding events in establishments classified as entertainment venues are permitted until 1:30 a.m., provided they take place in isolated halls.

The general operation of catering businesses (including restaurants) is set from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Vassiliou explained that behind some entrepreneurs’ protests is the desire to circumvent the new rules. According to him, owners often try to turn taverns into clubs or discos without the proper licenses and permits. He noted: "If it is allowed by law, the venue is enclosed, and there is a license—fine. But it cannot be done through improvised structures and without compliance with the legislation."

The President of the Association also added that the bill was agreed upon with all conscientious market participants—restaurateurs, entertainment center owners, and wedding organizers. All parties supported the need to introduce clear frameworks. "We all agree: catering, entertainment, weddings—all fall within our sphere of activity. We only demand that there be a regulatory basis that will put an end to the chaos that has prevailed until now," Vassiliou emphasized.