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The Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) of São Paulo said it was “disappointed” with the decision of the state government to restrict the opening hours of establishments. According to the president of the entity, the measure punishes “those who do their homework” and leaves out itinerant businesses. He says that he intends to sue the Justice to reverse the situation.
Today, João Doria’s (PSDB) team announced that bars should close at 8 pm, before the time allowed was until 10 pm. At the same time, the store’s operation was increased from ten to 12 hours. The measures begin to take effect from 0:01 am tomorrow (12).
Restaurants can remain open until 10:00 p.m., as provided for in the yellow phase of the São Paulo Plan, but they must stop selling alcoholic beverages until 8:00 p.m. The same goes for convenience stores.
“We are disappointed and very concerned,” said the president of Abrasel in São Paulo, Percival Maricato. “The measure is unfair and counterproductive. There was a very big mistake on the part of the state government, which punished those who do their homework and are responsible.”
According to Maricato, bars and restaurants can obey security protocols, while the real problem would be in crowds elsewhere. “Television is broadcasting on March 25, commerce in Brás, the beach, the banquet, public transportation, we recently had elections … There is no lack of reasons to increase the pandemic.”
He says the association fears the possibility that more establishments will close with the measure. “We expected a bigger movement at the end of the year to pay the bills, like the 13th salary, bank, landlord, etc. We waited until the government, recognizing our effort, to release the tables on the sidewalks, which are less polluting, and he did the opposite, further restricted to the point that it makes the operation unviable. “
For him, the correct measure would be to expand the operation of the establishments as was done with commerce, in addition to working with the awareness of the population about the pandemic. “All civil society should come to the table, the churches, the unions, the merchants and make an effort to raise awareness. But the government wanted to do everything alone.”
Regarding the restriction on the sale of drinks until 8 pm in restaurants and convenience stores, Maricato called the measure “totalitarian” and “unconstitutional.” “It is an intervention in the private sector, in economic freedom. An extremely totalitarian intervention of the rights of the citizen.”
According to him, the association intends to file a lawsuit to reverse the decision. “We will not accept this passively.”
Increase in youth hospitalization
The São Paulo government’s decision is valid for the entire state. But the municipalities have autonomy to accept or not the measures. On the other hand, the government indicates that it must activate the MP-SP (Public Ministry of the State of São Paulo) in case of non-compliance with the regulations.
According to the São Paulo government, the new rules are necessary due to the increase in hospitalizations among young people. Between March and November, the age group with the highest demand for beds was 55 to 75 years old.
In the past three weeks, it has fallen to the 30-50 year range. People aged 20 to 39, the main audience in bars, account for 40% of hospitalizations and 3.6% of deaths.
For the president of Abrasel in São Paulo, however, it will not be a decree that “will prevent young people from leaving home.”
* Collaborated: Lucas Borges Teixeira, Douglas Porto, Stella Borges and Allan Brito
