Rome, June 9 – The Antigallery bar, located in Piazza degli Zingari in the Monti district of Rome, has been ordered to suspend its activities for 15 days. This measure, signed by Questore Roberto Massucci, comes after Carabinieri from the Roma Centro company identified 24 violations of urban police regulations concerning safe nightlife between April and May.
Fifteen-Day Closure for Antigallery Bar
The decision to close the Antigallery bar in Monti for two weeks was made public yesterday, June 9, and is effective immediately. The closure stems from a series of inspections conducted by the Carabinieri of the Roma Centro company, which revealed numerous irregularities at the establishment. The Questore’s order emphasizes public order and safety concerns as the primary reasons for the suspension.
Investigations Reveal Multiple Breaches
Detailed inspections by military police, part of ongoing nightly checks on nightlife in the district, specifically covered the period from April 17 to May 24. These investigations uncovered various breaches of the urban police regulations. Violations were noted among both the bar’s employees, some of whom reportedly had prior police records, and its customers who were observed consuming alcohol near the premises. The Carabinieri’s findings also indicated that some clients present had criminal records.
Investigators highlighted that despite previous sanctions, “management continues not to comply with rules based on civil coexistence and public safety.” This persistent non-compliance ultimately led to the drastic measure of a 15-day closure.
Context of Broader Nightlife Crackdowns in Rome
This closure is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader effort by Roman authorities to regulate nightlife and ensure public safety. Recent months have seen similar actions taken against other establishments across the city:
- Former ‘Pasquino Cinema Restaurant’ in Trastevere: Closed due to unverified licenses, with the Municipio I stating that an extension was never granted.
- ‘Mercado’ Pub in Eur: Shut down following resident protests, including threats and vandalism, where residents were reportedly told, “Condominium residents come down, we’ll throw a party for you.”
- ‘Sinners’ Abusive Disco at Porta Portese: Closed due to safety hazards such as dangling wires and non-compliant emergency exits. This followed broader checks in Rome inspired by incidents like Crans-Montana.
- ‘Sanctuary’ Disco at Colle Oppio: Faced preventive seizure due to irregularities.
These actions underscore a concerted effort by law enforcement and municipal authorities to enforce regulations and address public safety concerns related to nightlife venues in Rome.
Impact on Local Community and Future Outlook
The closure of Antigallery, a popular spot in the vibrant Monti district, is expected to have a noticeable impact on the local nightlife scene, at least temporarily. Residents in areas like Monti have frequently voiced concerns about noise, overcrowding, and other disturbances associated with late-night venues. The authorities’ firm stance indicates a commitment to balancing the city’s lively atmosphere with the need for public order and safety for its residents.
The Questore’s office and local Carabinieri continue to monitor nightlife establishments, suggesting that compliance with regulations will remain a priority for venues operating in Rome’s historic and residential areas.
