Lisbon supermarkets to open 24 hours a day (2024)

According to the order, published in the Municipal Bulletin, there will be an “exceptional extension of the opening hours of commercial establishments included in groups V (convenience stores) and VI (mini-markets, supermarkets and hypermarkets) during WYD, between 1 and 6 August.

“As a result of the high turnout, it is estimated that there will be a strong demand for catering and food retail establishments to respond to the food needs of these young people, and it is essential to ensure a full response from those establishments”.

Thus, during WYD, those commercial establishments are authorized to operate for 24 hours, with the exception of not being able to sell alcoholic beverages after 00:00. This measure does not apply "to establishments that are, at the time, under definitive restriction of hours", reads in the order.

According to the regulation of opening hours for establishments selling to the public and providing services in the municipality of Lisbon, in force, convenience stores can operate between 06:00 and 22:00 and minimarkets, supermarkets and hypermarkets between at 06:00 and 24:00, every day of the week.

Contacted Lusa agency, a source from the Continente retail chain indicated that it will extend the opening hours of some stores in the Lisbon region, between 31 July and 6 August, in view of the expected increase in the flow of customers during World Youth Day.

In turn, Pingo Doce identified 130 stores in which, during WYD, it will reinforce stocks and staff, still having the flexibility “to extend opening hours” in some of the spaces. More than a million people are expected in Lisbon for WYD, with the presence of Pope Francis, from the 1st to the 6th of August. The main ceremonies of the day take place in Parque Tejo, north of Parque das Nações, on the riverside of the Tagus, in lands in the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures, and in Parque Eduardo VII, in the center of the capital.