Answers from the control mechanisms and competent bodies of the State, regarding the image presented by Patras during the three days of the Carnival, is now officially requested by the Association of Restaurant and Recreation Managers of Achaia, which met yesterday to assess the situation.
In the announcement of SKEANA, it is stated – with a particularly sharp tone – the situation that was formed at the peak of the carnival in Patras, where “the organized focus was left completely unprotected by the official bodies of the state and the city, every corner of the historical center was turned into an open-air shop by itinerants, catering “professionals”, commercial shops, from anyone who wanted to sell everything uncontrollably”, as stated in a press release issued.
The Board of Directors of SKEANA makes a sharp criticism of the competent institutions and agencies of the State, which are charged with the responsibility of controlling the market, stressing”, with clear points to the authorities involved: “Although a week has passed since the end of the Carnival, only half-measures and shifting of responsibilities, bureaucratic confrontations, declaration of impossibility of control and satisfaction for the safety of citizens and visitors.
We will only agree 100% on the last one. Fortunately we managed to have a safe Carnival. But let’s be honest, because we all witnessed the biggest uncontrollable outdoor focus that the institution has experienced. This image is a selection. No interference. No control. All observers”.
SKEANA, who also mentions that he has dozens of branded complaints, photos, videos of the images of indecency, apparently at the disposal of every competent authority.
“Peloponnisos” had written, since the previous week, that in the sector of organized catering they were furious with the image of complete indecency throughout the three days of the Carnival. And not only because the controls that were actually carried out were very few, but mainly because before the Carnival, the businesses received visits and exhortations from the Police and the Municipality to remove the imperfectly developed table seats from the pedestrian streets of the center. Also, because there had been previous discussions and meetings of all the involved bodies to take the appropriate measures and to chase the open-air catering and street vendors. Of course, part of the catering is also responsible for this image, as businesses in the center had taken grills and speakers outside, while in some places shops and even outdoor bars had been set up. Vendors had set up stalls, even vans with mobile grills, coming from other cities, selling skewers, sandwiches, beers and black laurels, possibly of dubious quality!
“THE GLOVE” IN THE POLICE
“Peloponnisos” addressing the question “from now on what can be done?” to the president of SKEANA, Tassos Giatras, he answered in a scathing manner: “SKEANA cannot carry out checks, let alone arrests”. He added that “the discussion about what kind of Carnival we want has been completed and all the answers have been given with actions and omissions by the officials. SKEANA was, is and will be in favor of organized catering controlled 365 days a year, 24 hours a day by dozens of different services. Is the city?’ With this question, SKEANA “throws down the gauntlet” to the authorities to answer what Carnival they want for Patras in the coming years, inviting them to take an open position.
