Lisbon City Council will review on Wednesday a new regulation for the recognition, protection and support of "Lojas com História" establishments, which aims to extend protection to more commercial spaces in the city and strengthen municipal support. The Mayor, Carlos Moedas, stated that "more than Lojas com História, we speak of shops with soul", considering that preserving these spaces is "safeguarding the authenticity of Lisbon".
One of the main novelties is the creation of two levels of distinction: "Loja com História" and "Loja com História Emblemática", allowing an increase in the number of establishments covered by the program and strengthening the recognition of shops with greater longevity. The proposal brings together in a single regulation the rules for granting the distinction and the mechanisms of the Municipal Support Fund, coordinating this regime with Law No. 42/2017, of June 14.
Financial support for the maintenance and preservation of establishments will be strengthened and will now be granted annually, instead of once per four-year period, allowing for a more regular response to the needs of the shops. Carlos Moedas highlighted that "we reaffirm our commitment to local commerce and to the dynamization of the local economy, essential for living and sustainable neighborhoods".
Lisbon currently has 153 establishments officially recognized by the municipal program Lojas com História, according to municipal data.
