The municipal council of Athens, in tonight’s last meeting before the municipal elections, approved with an increased majority the proposal of the mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, for the general ban on placing tables and chairs on the sidewalks of the new University.

“The battle for quality and sustainable free public space is a daily one and we fight it at all levels. In the center and the neighborhoods. It is our obligation to the Athenians and the Athenians, but also to the city itself. We work in harmony with the majority of law abiding professionals, however we are here when action needs to be taken.” emphasized Mr. Bakoyannis.

In particular, at the University, it was decided not to grant common space to shops of health interest along the entire length of its sidewalks, at least for the next two years, while for the same period of time the licenses that have already been granted to some shops are revoked.

The status of permits for the occupation of public space by the placement of table seats does not change with regard to the shops of health interest, which are located or will be created inside the University’s mock galleries.

The deputy mayor of the Municipal Police and Public Areas, Vassilis Koromantzos, noted: “Panepistimi was not created to serve health care stores, but to provide quality public space to citizens. Based on this philosophy, we proceed with the relevant decision. Already the municipal police with constant controls enforces legality where necessary, even by sealing businesses that are illegal. In the end, what we do is to protect the public space for the benefit of the Athenians, as well as the healthy competition of businesses.”

In addition, last March, following a proposal from the mayor, a similar decision was made not to grant new permits to occupy public space in the squares and new pedestrian streets in the Emporiko Trigono.

Specifically, according to the decision, for a period of three years no license is granted for new bench seats in the following areas:

* In the squares of Agia Irini, Agios Georgios Karytsis, Agioi Theodoros and Iero Lochos, which are being reconstructed.

* On the new – under construction – pedestrian streets: Praxitelous I. Paparrigopoulou (from Praxitelous to Palaion Patron Germanou), Pl. Karytsi (between Praxiteles and Parnassos), Lekka, Agia Irini – Athenaidos – Perikleous – Karagiorgi of Serbia (from Lekka to Voulis) and ‘Anthimos Gazi’ (have been institutionalized since the 90s).

* On the pedestrian street of Evangelistria (between Athenaides and Ermou) and the pedestrian street of Skuleniou, which are being redesigned and reconstructed.

At the same time, on an almost daily basis, the municipal police and the Cleanliness department carry out checks to ensure compliance with legality, while sealing shops in cases of repeat offenders.