Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

Following the statement issued today by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH), the Regional Inspectorate of Economic Activities (IRAE) considers it necessary, for the sake of truth and public trust, to provide the following clarifications:

1. IRAE reiterates that its actions are strictly bound by the principles of professionalism, proportionality and good faith, ensuring that all inspection activities are conducted with technical rigour, impartiality and absolute respect for economic operators. Inspection activities are carried out in accordance with the legal framework applicable to economic activities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, namely the Regional Implementing Decree no. 20/2024/A of November 18, which defines the Inspectorate’s powers in matters of economic supervision, food safety and consumer protection.

2. IRAE inspectors carry out their duties with balance, courtesy and strict compliance with legal standards, ensuring that every intervention safeguards public health and food safety, promotes fair competition, respects the dignity of business owners and workers, and minimises disruption to the normal operation of establishments. Therefore, IRAE rejects any accusation of inappropriate or disproportionate behaviour that falls short of the standards of conduct required of its professionals.

3. Regarding the incident reported on the island of São Jorge, it is important to make it absolutely clear that no IRAE inspector was present during the inspection action in question, and the Inspectorate did not order the closure of the establishment concerned. The suspension of operations was not the result of any action taken by IRAE, so it is incorrect to associate this Inspectorate with the events reported.

4. IRAE maintains an institutional dialogue, based on cooperation and transparency, with the Azorean business community, reiterating its full willingness to provide clarification, promote information campaigns and enhance the predictability of inspection procedures.

5. This Inspectorate will continue to carry out its duties with rigour, impartiality and a sense of public service, ensuring consumer protection, economic compliance, food safety and confidence in the markets, whilst rejecting interpretations that do not correspond to the factual reality or the legal framework governing its activities.