Paphos ERA Department Store faces uncertain future

Paphos district court has issued a final ‘ultimatum’ to ERA Department Store (formerly “Korivos”) in Paphos, to obtain the necessary special permits and licences from Paphos municipality and the relevant authorities, for it to continue its business operations in the town.

The court issued a decree to terminate full use of the building within a two-month period, starting September 14, failure of which will result in full suspension, the municipality said in an announcement on Thursday.

In addition to the decree, the district court ruled against the companies, Ermes Department Stores PLC, Woolworth (Cyprus) Properties PLC and their directors, in relation to the possession, use and operation of a building without the necessary permits issued by the competent authorities and the Paphos municipality. Furthermore, the court ruled against the defendants for converting part of a designated parking area into an exhibition space, without prior approval. The Paphos court also imposed fines on each defendant.

According to the Paphos municipality and the relevant authorities, ERA Department Store in Paphos has been operating illegally, and undertaking large-scale extension works without consent, affecting both indoor and outdoor areas. A criminal case is currently pending before the Paphos court, despite repeated warning from the municipality.