The Paphos branch of the association of hospitality venues (Pasika) on Friday called on the town’s mayor Phedon Phedonos to intervene after 90 per cent of the hospitality venues in the area were forced to close for not having the relevant permits.

Most pubs, bars, and night clubs in Paphos were ordered to temporarily close on Thursday night, after a police operation found that they had failed to obtain a commercial music licence, despite having an operating permit from the deputy ministry of tourism.

In a written statement, Pasika said that the majority of the businesses that were forced to close have applied for the music licence and their application is pending.

The process is delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic but also due to the transfer of licensing powers to the municipal authority.

The association added that it will support police in cases where members are “blatantly illegal” and do not abide by the coronavirus decrees, or if they have “repeatedly” not started the procedures for issuing the relevant permits.

However, “there must be the necessary understanding and leniency” said Pasika.