Merchants would like to be allowed to open larger stores

“It just came to our knowledge then. The good thing is that it opens, as we have proposed, which provides for the opening of sockets with input from the outside, and the good news is that there is a limit of 20 square meters per person, we have proposed 30 meters – even more. And that news is not very good, like with a question mark, due to the commercial space, 300 m2 M. meters. These are very small format stores, “R. Vainienė told BNS.

According to her, part of the store area is occupied by merchandise, stalls, so it is expected that larger stores will also be allowed to operate, subject to certain restrictions. According to her, the small-format store is 500 square meters. Area meters.

“And we still have the doubt of whether it will be allowed to delimit, for example, if the store has 350 seats, or if we delimit them, fence so that a person does not enter, or it will be possible to operate. This is, so to speak, two good news and one with a question mark, ”said R. Vainienė.

Economy Minister Aušrinė Armonaitė said on Monday that the area of ​​shops to be opened could be up to 300 m2. meters, but this will still have to be finally decided by the Government.

The government tentatively agreed on Monday that some non-grocery stores and hair salons could open starting next Monday, but the final decision is scheduled for Wednesday.

If approved, grocery stores with outdoor access will be able to resume operations. They will have to provide 20 square meters M. meters, the same area will have to be provided by the beauty salons, in addition, they will be able to serve only one client at a time

At the suggestion of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the plan “in principle”, but the government resolution is expected to be adopted on Wednesday.

R. Vainienė assured that the epidemiological situation in trade is good.

“We are convinced of this, because it is shown by the epidemiological situation of the operating stores, the employees are not very ill, the customers are not infected. We know that we can act safely. As a result, we see no reason, no argument why it cannot be opened. What’s more, we even thought we could take the next step without waiting. The virus is not spreading in commerce ”, said the director of the association.

Beauty merchants and suppliers were waiting for decisions to liberalize their activities last week, but the government ultimately decided not to consider the issue.

With the tightening of the quarantine in mid-December, many stores in the country closed, with the exception of places of food, sports and recreation, restricting the movement of people between municipalities and meetings both at home and in public places.

But last Monday, the Cabinet already allowed the resumption of activities for outdoor ski centers.