The government is ready to liberalize business: clarifying how traders and outdoor cafes will work

Since the strict quarantine regime has lasted for almost 4 months and has a growing negative impact on the psychological condition and physical health of people, and the whole society is tired of quarantine, it is necessary to take measures to improve this situation, he says. the governing document. .

“Considering the unfavorable epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 disease (coronavirus infection) in Lithuania and in the world, it is necessary to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 disease. The incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) has been reduced through the introduction of strict quarantine measures, but there has been a recent increase in reported cases, ”argues the government.

Supermarkets must provide 50 m2. area meters

All off-market stores that have been closed so far will be able to open from Monday. However, the new stores will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This solution is proposed in the latest draft government resolution.

In supermarkets or shopping places where non-essential goods predominate (the surface is greater than 50%), the visitor must have at least 50 m2. meters, or only one person can be served at a time. The area will be calculated based on the total sales area of ​​the shopping center, market or other point of sale.

The stores that operate in the passenger departure terminals of airports and seaports and all other stores, except those located in the markets, may also operate. These stores and points of sale must provide 20 m2 of commercial space per visitor.

Existing grocery stores, as before, will have to provide 15 square meters. meters of retail space per visitor or to serve no more than one person at a time in separate stores. This includes the sale of food, veterinary, animal feed, floral, optical and orthopedic technical equipment, funeral supplies and pharmacies.

Other stores, such as those with a separate entrance from the outside, must provide 20 square feet. meters per visitor, will continue to operate on weekends. This includes stores like Senukai, Hermitage, Depot, Ikea, and others.

On Saturdays and Sundays, it will be possible to operate grocery stores as before.

As of May 3. It is proposed to allow the operation of all shops, markets and other public outlets. Respectively, 15 m2 or 20 m2 of commercial space should be provided per visitor, thus maintaining the requirement to limit the number of visitors in supermarkets, markets or other points of sale where more than one store or merchant operates.

Opens cinemas, will host events

As of April 19, it is intended to allow the provision of cinema and cinema club services, ensuring that spectators occupy only seats, no more than 50 spectators present and no more than 30% of the seats occupied. all seating positions.

Tickets must be distributed electronically and spectators must also register. Viewers over 6 years old should wear masks at the cinema.

The sale of food and beverages and the provision of other services in cinemas and movie clubs are prohibited.

Also, as of April 19, visits to theaters or other professional performing arts institutions would be allowed.

As in the case of cinemas, spectators must be seated only, with a maximum of 50 spectators and a maximum of 30%. all seats, ensuring ticket distribution, electronic registration and other requirements.

It would be possible to hold concerts, sports or other events in open and closed spaces, when the event is attended by no more than 50 spectators, not including artists, athletes, coaches, etc.

Such events must also distribute tickets and register visitors electronically, and spectators must be able to view the event from seats only, ensuring the use of masks and other requirements. Enclosed spaces cannot occupy more than 30 percent. All seating and the sale of food and beverages and the provision of other services at the venues are prohibited.

Excursions with a maximum of 10 people would be allowed in the open spaces.

Outdoor cafes: 2 at each table

It is proposed to open public catering establishments, restaurants, cafes and bars, when the food and drinks ordered are consumed at the tables in the open spaces, we wrote in the project.

Said permit would come into effect on April 22.

Office hours are limited from 7 am to 9 pm No more than 2 people, except members of a family and / or a household, may sit at a table.

There would also be catering establishments, restaurants, cafes and bars in the maritime and airport passenger departure terminals, where ordered food and beverages are consumed at the tables, allowing no more than 2 people to sit at a table.

Currently, all passengers arriving in Lithuania by air and sea must have a negative COVID-19 test. This is usually required by other destinations. The government estimates that there is minimal risk of having sick passengers at the passenger terminal airports.

It should be noted that catering services for passengers are a necessary part of the travel process, considering that about 50 percent. Passengers arrive at the airport more than 2 hours before the flight and spend a few more hours at the airport and later in the journey. In addition, the trade in take-off food at the airport’s passenger departure terminals is of no practical importance compared to the possibility of consuming food at the point of purchase, simply because there is no possibility of taking food beyond the departure area. departure of the passengers ”, the submission argues.

Leisure vacations, swimming pools and saunas are released.

As of April 22, it is planned to allow private events, celebrations for members of a family or a person’s estate.

“As the number of people allowed to have close contacts increases, starting in 2021. April 22 it is proposed to add (…) exceptions to the rental (sublet or loan) of accommodation and recreational facilities for the organization of private parties involving no more than one family and / or a household or no more than 10 people with immunity “, – says the draft resolution.

Likewise, as of April 26, hotels or other accommodation services may once again offer pool and sauna services to a family or home.

Cluster services, subject to requirements, could also be provided through non-formal education, such as for students in a class.

As of April 19, it is proposed to allow the rental of leisure facilities accordingly.

Sports clubs – from April 26

It is proposed to allow the operation of sports facilities, sports clubs and fitness centers as of April 26, ensuring 20 m2 M. meters per person, including service providers.

Group training could be conducted with the participation of up to 5 people, excluding service providers.