Per a decision that was announced to the public on Wednesday by Giorgos Dimopoulos, the deputy governor of the central part of Athens, the many boutiques and shops in the tourist areas of Monastiraki, Plaka and the Acropolis will now be able to operate year-round.
Until now, all the shops and boutiques in these areas, which cater in large part to tourists, have been obliged to close on Sundays from the month of November through April.
In an effort to boost business in the future, the deputy governor has opened up the possibility for these businesses to take in more revenue year-round, enhancing their bottom lines in these difficult times.
The move is meant to increase economic activity in what is known as the “Old City” of the Greek capital, including the traditional markets in the Plaka neighborhood.
The decision will only take effect beginning next year, however, in November of 2021.
Greece’s Government Gazette noted that the decree may be revisited every year. It went on to explain that the city officials came to their decision because these areas in the heart of Athens, just like the “Old Towns” in all other European cities, play a large role in attracting tourists to the country.
The many boutiques and shops in all such zones, the Gazette stated, enjoy special hours of operation because of their unique status in historical areas and because they cater almost exclusively to tourists.
In addition, such businesses in these areas of Athens tend to be family-run and employ local people on a permanent basis.
