Cafes & Restaurants Reopen In Greece For Outdoor Service

Cafes and restaurants reopened in Greece on Monday for sit-down service for the first time in nearly six months, as the country began easing coronavirus-related restrictions with a view to opening to the vital tourism industry in the summer. 

Cafes, restaurants, and bars, which had been shut to all but takeout and delivery services when lockdown-type measures were imposed in early November, reopened for outdoor seated service only. Tables are set a certain distance apart to maintain social distancing while standing customers and music aren’t allowed.

A maximum of six customers are allowed per table, while staff must carry out compulsory coronavirus home self-tests. A nightly curfew that was in force from 9 p.m. is being pushed back to 11 p.m. as of Monday, with bars, restaurants, and cafes allowed to remain open until 15 minutes before curfew.

In recent weeks, the Greek government has been gradually easing restrictions as part of the efforts being made to lay the groundwork for Greece to welcome back tourists. Tourism is a vital industry for the country, and all tourism-related businesses and services are scheduled to reopen on May 15.

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