Operation under way in Thessaloniki to clear sidewalks

Municipal services, police and a prosecutor on Wednesday launched an operation in downtown Thessaloniki to clear away illegal tables and chairs set out by cafes, bars and restaurants on the port city’s sidewalks.

Following written warnings sent to proprietors in violation of city zoning laws last month, the Thessaloniki Municipality proceeded with a sweep operation that is expected to result in hundreds of obstacle being cleared from areas that are reserved for pedestrians.

“We will conduct more operations of this kind over the next few months in order to put an end to such trespasses of public space and hindrances to pedestrians’ free passage,” deputy mayor in charge of finances, Anna Angelidou, told the ANA-MPA news agency.

“There are a lot of businesses that are legal. We’re checking those that aren’t also in order to stop unfair competition,” she added.