Benevento adjusts business closing hours for August events

The administration of Benevento has revised its ordinances regarding business closing times in Piazza Cardinale Pacca and surrounding areas due to scheduled musical events in late August. Following requests from local merchants and consultations with law enforcement, closing times for certain streets, including Corso Dante and Via Nuova Calore, have been extended from 17:00 to 19:00 for performances by Vincenzo Salemme on August 26 and Alessandro Siani on August 30.

However, security and public order requirements for the Kid Yugi concert on August 27 necessitate an earlier closure at 15:00 for specific sections of Corso Dante and Piazza Cardinale Pacca.

The Italian Confederation of Traders and Merchants (CIDEC) has expressed strong solidarity with local operators, criticizing the municipal decisions. CIDEC warned that such early closures contribute to the desertification of the historic center, which is already struggling against competition from large shopping malls. The organization stated it is prepared to support merchants in legal actions to seek compensation for damages caused by these administrative choices.