One in three restaurants in Stockholm violates congestion rules



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Despite the fact that six months have passed since the new restaurant congestion rules were introduced, there are still too many people in many of Stockholm’s restaurants. In environmental administration, inspectors work in shifts both day and night to verify the operation of restaurants. So far no improvement has been observed.

– The problem has not subsided even though it takes so long. Although the rules are clear, there are many companies that receive feedback. Now in September, we have been to 103 inspections and 43 have received feedback. It is not peace and joy, says Peter Brådenmark, unit manager of the environmental administration’s health protection department.

The city of Stockholm has So far, 1,735 restaurant congestion inspections have been conducted and one in three restaurants has received a comment.

– It hasn’t improved. The most common is that tables are too tight and too crowded. There should be at least one meter between the tables so that the different parties can keep their distance from each other, says Peter Brådenmark.

Congestion problems are greatest in the city and in Södermalm and most inspections are carried out here as well.

– In Medborgarplatsen and around Mosebacke, where it is crowded, many have received comments. But also in Strandvägen and in the city center, says Peter Brådenmark.

Top restaurants receives a court order to take action and 90 percent of companies rectify deficiencies within a few days. Thirty companies have been threatened with fines of between 10,000 and 25,000 SEK.

According to the environmental administration, the responsibility is shared, both restaurateurs and guests must take care of themselves.

– Restorers have their responsibility, but you and me too. The later in the evening and the more alcohol there is, the more it will get dirty. So it’s the guests who are worried, says Peter Brådenmark.

Until mid September The city of Stockholm had received around 1,600 reports from Stockholm about congestion at restaurants.

“You need clear and distinct rules, and why the rules should be followed.  It can't be everyone's decision, ”says Andreas Machado (left) who has lunch at a food court in Hötorget.

“You need clear and distinct rules, and why the rules should be followed. It can’t be everyone’s decision, ”says Andreas Machado (left) who is eating lunch at a food court in Hötorget.

Photo: Nicklas Thegerström

In the city, the lunch rush is happening almost exactly like it was before the pandemic. In a food court near Hötorget, there are no signs to keep your distance and the tables are only 12 inches apart. Lunch guests Cornelia Norén and Nina Beer still feel safe eating lunch outside.

– I think it was perfectly fine. Since it was maybe once a week, I think restaurants handle it well. In Södermalm, isopropyl alcohol is everywhere and lots of boards get crossed so you can keep your distance, says Nina Beer.

One block in another food court there are clear stickers on the floor on how to keep a distance of one meter and each table is carefully dried and sprayed after each guest. Lunch guest Mats Larson, who was totally locked up and worked from the farm in Sörmland for two months this spring, is now back in town.

– This is the first time I’ve had lunch out in a long time. I keep my distance, but sometimes you forget it, everyone wants to go back to everyday life in some way. Sure it can be crowded, but create as much distance as you can, says Mats Larson.

He is sustained by lunch partner Andreas Machado.

– It is clear that it will be more relaxed, especially now that the Swedish figures look so good, it is fantastic. I think life feels almost normal in Stockholm, says Andreas Machado.

One in three restaurants inspected in Stockholm violates congestion rules according to statistics from the environmental administration.

One in three restaurants inspected in Stockholm violates congestion rules according to statistics from the environmental administration.

Photo: Nicklas Thegerström

It is compared to Portugal, where it spent a lot of time during the pandemic. There, everyone is kept at a distance and there are also guards outside the restaurants and shops who check that the rules are being followed.

– Clear and differentiated rules are needed, and why they should be followed. It may not be up to everyone to decide. But as the numbers go down, it’s hard for me to see that congestion is a problem. We cannot be scared to death forever, we must let life return to normal, says Andreas Machado.

Trade association Visit has designed the “Safe to Visit” informational material for member restaurants so they can handle congestion.

– We assist with help and information to follow the design of the rules. But parts of the rules are hard to follow, like making sure guests are seated and keeping their distance. It is a challenge to get all the guests to follow the rules of being spread out and keeping a greater distance. It is based on everyone taking responsibility, says Stefan Lundin, Visit General Counsel.

Why is one in three restaurants inspected still reprimanded?

– Our general picture continues to be that it works well, that restaurants take on a great responsibility. No restaurant wants to contribute to the spread of the infection and great efforts are made to ensure that it works. It can also be different types of comments, some less serious, says Stefan Lundin.

In October, the government is expected raise the maximum limit of 50 people, which includes restaurants that have pub shows. That limit doesn’t apply to ordinary restaurants and won’t affect Christmas tables.

– We want the government to lift the restriction as soon as possible, continuous remote requirements should be sufficient according to the recommendations of the Public Health Agency whenever deemed necessary, says Stefan Lundin.

The assignment of the Environmental Administration Inspecting the restaurant crowds in Stockholm was valid until New Years but will run on Friday until July 1 of next year.

– We have not seen any reason to reduce inspections. Everyone should follow the rules that exist to reduce the spread of infection. The message is that we should not relax, the virus still exists and will live a long time, says Peter Brådenmark.

Read more: Check out Stockholm restaurants: “If we see congestion, it’s serious”

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