Cafes, restaurants and bars reopen after another weekend of crowding

After another weekend of party crowds gathering on public squares in many parts of the country - a phenomenon spurred by bars selling takeaway drinks and cocktails - the food and drinks services sector was officially relaunched on Monday.

Greece's bars, restaurants and cafes - which have been on lockdown for 10 weeks, relying on government handouts to pay staff - have been permitted to welcome customers as part of the fourth phase of a government plan to ease restrictions imposed in March to stem coronavirus infections.

The relaunch of the sector, however, is subject to health protocols designed to prevent customers from being seated in close proximity and to ensure that all hygiene standards are being met.

Physical distancing means that businesses are not allowed to admit more than one person per square meter of their surface area and must maintain a distance...

Continue reading on: