Step by step, while the epidemiological situation continues to improve and the vaccination campaign continues, Italy reopens. From June 1 important news arrive for bars and restaurants. Restrictions are eased, capacity increases and, hopefully, also the turnover of a sector heavily penalized by the closures and the economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 emergency. “The catering chain – underlines Coldiretti – was the most affected by the measures taken to combat the pandemic with a loss between limitations and hiccup closures estimated at 41 billion in the year of Covid”. According to the association, the ones who will benefit from the new rules will be “above all the establishments located in urban centres squeezed between traffic and asphalt which could significantly increase the seats and therefore the takings”.
Ma what the rules say on the reopening of bars and restaurants in force from today, June 1st? Here is the 5 point guide
INDOOR RESTAURANTS
Based on the provisions of the "decree of 18 May“, starting from June 1, restaurants can also welcome guests inside and no longer only in places located outside the premises. It is therefore permitted to have lunch or dinner indoors. The new rules apply to businesses located in the white area and in the yellow area, i.e., for the moment, throughout the national territory.
TABLES AND BUFFETS
The limit of 4 non-cohabiting people sitting at the table established on March 2 for the yellow zone remains. It will therefore be possible to go to dinner or lunch in a few, avoiding the long tables that have been part of the Italian tradition for decades. The Ministry of Health reiterated this today, underlining that the limit of four people plus any minor children remains in force even for visits to friends or relatives. In the white area, on the other hand, there is no limit for outdoor tables, while indoors a maximum of 8 people can sit together. In the restaurant, however, there must be a distance of one meter outdoors and two meters indoors between each table.
Buffets remain prohibited, unless the place organizes itself with packaged single portions. The rule applies to both white and yellow Regions.
COFFEE AT THE COUNTER
In the white area and in the yellow area it is possible to start having "breakfast at the bar" again, consuming coffee and a croissant leaning against the counter. Green light also for aperitifs and all other types of drinks indoors. However, the premises must limit entry based on the space available and guarantee respect for the distance.
According to Coldiretti's calculations, overall, there are 360 bars, restaurants, pizzerias and agritourisms that have reopened for indoor counter and table service, with the seating offer more than tripling to accommodate residents and tourists arriving for the summer.
LE MASKSE
We must continue to wear the mask, removing it only when we consume food or drink. When we enter and leave the premises, or get up from our table, the mask must always be worn.
THE CURFEW
In the white regions, namely Molise, Sardinia and Friuli Venezia Giulia, the curfew is retired. In the yellow regions, on the other hand, the curfew is at 23pm until June 7th. From next Monday, however, the return home time will be moved forward by 1 hour, from 23 to 24 pm. From 21 June the curfew will be abolished throughout Italy.
(Last update at 16.45 on 3 June).
