Portugal's entities to face fine if refusing special treatment to pregnant women, elderly

Both public and private entities in Portugal that refuse special treatment to pregnant women, the elderly, handicapped people or people carrying children, will face a fine of up to 1,000 euros (1,045 U.S. dollars) from this Tuesday, Lusa News Agency revealed.

Both public and private entities which do not comply with rules regarding primary care will be fined. The fine will range from 50 and 500 euros when the offender is an individual, and from 100 to 1,000 euros if the offender is a collective body, Lusa reported.

People entitled to primary care who are refused it can call the police, according to the report.

Unlike in many countries where cutting the line in a supermarket queue, for instance, is a social taboo, in Portugal it is part of the law.

Those who benefit from this law include people who have a level of incapacity of around 60 percent or more, people aged 65 years or more, and people carrying children over the age of two.

In cases of conflict, in which several people have the right to receive special treatment, they are served on a first come first served basis. Endit