Finland: New decree restricting activities of food and beverage service businesses from 13 March

NordenBladet — The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. With the amendment, the restrictions that previously applied to regions in the community transmission phase of the epidemic would be introduced throughout the country. For areas in the baseline and acceleration phases, the additional restrictions will be in effect for the duration of the restaurant lockdown.

The amendment to the decree will enter into force on 13 March at 00.00. The decree would now apply to areas where restaurants are allowed to remain open, i.e. those not affected by the lockdown. These include Kainuu, North Karelia, Central Ostrobothnia and North Savo. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in Kainuu, North Karelia, Central Ostrobothnia and North Savo from Saturday 13 March 2021 onwards

The amount of customer seating in restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages will be restricted to half the normal number of seats. For other restaurants, 75 per cent of customer seats may be in use. Restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages until 22.00 and may be open between 5.00 and 23.00.