Changes to restrictions on opening hours of food and beverage service businesses in several regions
The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The amended decree will enter into force on 31 July 2021.
In line with the decree, restrictions on the opening and licensing hours of food and beverage service businesses will be in force in the following regions where the epidemic is now in the acceleration phase: Kainuu, Kanta-Häme, Central Finland, North Karelia, North Savo and Satakunta. The earlier set restrictions applicable during the acceleration phase will remain in force in the following regions: Kymenlaakso, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme and Southwest Finland.
Food and beverage service businesses may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 00.00 and be open between 5.00 and 1.00.
Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have half the normal number of customer seats in use in indoor premises. Other restaurants may seat 75 per cent of their normal number of customers inside their establishments. As before, all customers must have their own seat by a table or counter when indoors. The number of customer seats on outdoor terraces is not limited.
Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Åland, South Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, South Savo, Ostrobothnia, South Karelia and Lapland from 31 July: There are no separate restrictions on the number of customers or licensing and opening hours.
The obligations to observe the general hygiene guidelines and to keep a safe distance apply in areas where the epidemic is at a stable level and in the acceleration phase.
Exceptions to restrictions remain unchanged
The restrictions laid down in the decree do not apply to the activities of staff restaurants or to takeaway sales of food to customers. The restrictions on opening hours do not apply to food and beverage service businesses on vessels and aircraft that operate between Finland and other countries or abroad or to food and beverage service businesses that operate at distribution stations for liquid fuels.
The regional epidemic situation will be reviewed over the course of next week and restrictions will be amended in accordance with the regional situation.
Inquiries:
Tuula Helander, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 480, firstname.lastname@stm.fi