Bulgaria: Business and Government Strike Deal – Restaurants to Work at Half Capacity, Six Customers per Table Allowed

The restaurants will open from March 1 and will work at50% capacity, up to 6 people per table and with opening hours until 11 p.m. And the nightlife establishments will open from April 1, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova after a working meeting with the Minister of Health Prof. Kostadin Angelov. The discussion was attended by Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev, Chief State Health Inspector and representatives of tourism industry.

Minister Nikolova pointed out that by an official letter dated as early as January 19, she had proposed the opening of the dining establishments, the idea was that the working hours were until 10:30 p.m. Today we made a new proposal for activities allowed till 11 p.m., which was also accepted by the business, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out. The limit of 15 people for organized private events such as weddings and christening parties is approved and remains in effect.

Compliance with all anti-epidemic measures within opening hours is also mandatory, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed. She was adamant that control would be uncompromising and not a single mistake should be made that could mar the industry's reputation.

From March 1, the ban on organized travel in the country is also lifted. Organized visits abroad will be allowed from April 1. The order of the Health Minister will say that te arrangements for these trips will be made by tour operators and travel agents in compliance with the relevant sanitary measures for the safety and security of tourists.

Workers in the tourism sector will be vaccinated with priority, as requested by Deputy Prime Minister Mariana Nikolova in her letter to the Minister of Health Prof. Kostadin Angelov dated 21 January 2021.  Today the request was...