It is already time to " closed for holidays " for the many clubs in the historic center of Olbia . Some have already done so, others have made it across the long bridge; most will close between January and February.

“These are dead times” they say almost in chorus “few people live in the center, there is no tourism; and then the employees need to rest ".

The “ break ”, after a decidedly intense season, will last from three weeks upwards but there are also those who imagine longer lockouts. Everyone should be obliged to clear the public land of chairs, umbrellas and tables, according to an order announced by the mayor Settimo Nizzi.

Announced (but not yet issued), the anti-seasonal norm and in favor of urban decor are already being discussed. “We have read in the press but no communication has arrived - comments Luca Chirigu , owner of a bar in the Corso - in the end we will be forced to do as they tell us but I cannot understand how the bulky umbrellas can be moved. However, the Corso is now a large 'food' space, it is normal for it to be depopulated out of season ”.

Salvatore Cadau , manager of a bar in Piazza Regina Margherita: "I agree with the idea of guaranteeing the service, we agree with the bar next door, we do not plan the holidays in the same period - he explains - but to justify the fact of having to move everything we should specify what is meant by prolonged closure ".

Blondi's in via Porto Romano has a sealed door; in the window the "for sale" sign, chairs and tables stacked in the dehors. "My restaurant is for sale - explains the owner reached on the phone - if I don't sell I will reopen at the beginning of the season". He paid 4000 euros for his "slice" of the street and does not know of the warning issued by the mayor "to those who make cash and then run away": his restaurant risks losing part of the concession. “Let's start from the fact that we should be free to manage a concession we pay as we see fit - he attacks - it will mean that they will give us a discount. Added to the high taxes and bills is the fact that we cannot work on cold and rainy days because we are prevented from setting up gazebos; the famous umbrellas all the same I have changed them at least four times. Let's face it, it is not sustainable to keep open all year round in a city that works mainly with tourism ”.

From Edoardo Oggianu , president of Confcommercio Olbia and a young entrepreneur, support for the mayor. “If they came into force I would not consider them excessive rules because I am also an entrepreneur who keeps open all year to give a service to those who arrive - he says -. We are talking about a city of almost 80,000 inhabitants, I do not see it as a seasonal destination, perhaps in a few months there is no consumer willingness to spend, but those who come to the center must find it open. The administration, in recent years, has been making a considerable effort to seasonally adjust and meet exhibitors ”. "Certainly one could think of some incentives - he launches the idea - for example, as happens in San Teodoro, to apply reduced rates on public land for those who open at least eight months".

© Riproduzione riservata