Corona: Pubs and restaurants crowded – but none has been forced to close

Cafés, restaurants and pubs are obliged by law to prevent the spread of covid-19. For example to have plenty of space between tables.

Since 1st July it has been the duty of municipalities to see to it that the regulations are followed. The municipalities are also entitled to close businesses which do not follow the new regulations.

In Kristianstad 70 controls have been carried out during the summer.

– On our visits we check overcrowding and routines. We’ve been out every weekend, both in the evenings and later on, says food controller Tijana Stevic.

The municipality has received complaints about overcrowding.

– We’ve followed up the complaints, but we’ve been able to solve most problems by having a constructive discussion with the pubs, she says.

For example by removing chairs and rearranging tables to make more space.

In four cases this has led to injunctions and demands for more to be done, for example when guests have been unable to keep at a safe distance from one another.

Discussions with the people in charge have been positive.

– But no-one has had to close. They’ve fixed what was wrong by themselves, says Tijana Stevic.

– We have regulations to follow. It’s a difficult situation for a lot of people, and everyone is trying to make the best of it.

– Its also important to point out – it’s everyone’s responsibility to avoid overcrowding.

The controls will continue. The new law applies until the end of the year.