Close the shops at six in the evening, and go out to party: the lesson worth learning from Portugal

Tamir Ben Shahar argues that Israel should adopt from Portugal models of shortening business hours, turning streets into pedestrian malls, and opening up waterfronts, while comparing prices (espresso €1.5, beer €2) and claiming these steps will improve quality of life without harming sales volumes.

Tamir Ben Shahar, an urban planning strategic consultant, argues that Israel should adopt urban and commercial models from Portugal to improve quality of life and reduce the cost of living. The article compares prices: espresso at €1.5 in Portugal versus double in Israel, pizza at €10-15 versus 84 shekels in Haifa, and beer at €2. Ben Shahar suggests shortening business operating hours until 18:00-19:00, turning streets into pedestrian malls, opening up waterfronts, and investing in markets like those in Lisbon and Porto. He claims these steps will not harm sales volumes but will redirect the public to cultural and leisure activities. The article is based on personal experience and is not backed by official economic data.

Close the shops at six in the evening, and go out to party: the lesson worth learning from Portugal