In the early hours of Wednesday morning, unauthorised outdoor catering establishments were removed from Prague’s Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). This action enforced an order issued in May and set a precedent for addressing the unauthorised use of public spaces.
The removal, carried out by the Technical Administration of Transport Routes (TSK), began at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The establishments belonged to the company KVP Gastro, which had been operating illegally on the square.
Prague 1’s district authorities had already issued a notice to vacate the premises in May 2024, followed by several inspections conducted by different departments of the district. The entire operation was carried out in strict compliance with administrative and legal regulations. Officials have indicated that they will continue to monitor such cases closely and aim for quicker, more efficient resolutions in the future.
Karel Grabein Procházka, City Councillor for Urban Development, commented: “Prague 1 supports a fair business environment, but we must ensure that public space is used according to the regulations. This action is an important step in balancing the interests of businesses with the needs of residents and visitors.”
Giancarlo Lamberti, Chairman of the Finance Committee of Prague 1, was more critical: “It’s unfortunate that resolving these issues often takes years and incurs significant costs. However, in this instance, we found an administrative solution that was faster and more effective.”
The City of Prague hopes this action will set a precedent, allowing for more efficient handling of similar situations in the future. A statement from the Ministry of Transport is also expected, with the potential to outline further improvements for future cases.
