Restaurant owners seek review of the new anti-epidemic rules related to opening

Owners of restaurants with outdoor terraces and gardens in Sofia are preparing to open, but some are not satisfied with the new rules announced by Health Minister Kiril Ananiev in the latest order on the anti-epidemic measures.

Some of the restaurants on Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia had already adapted their summer gardens to the new requirements. Howeve, the owners were complaining that seating for clients was significantly reduced.

Emil Peev, manager of a restaurant, said that if before the garden could provide seats for 100 people, it would now fit 25. “This capacity of seats will not in any way cover the costs that have to be paid for opening an establishment,” he said.

The managers of the establishments are hoping that the conditions in the new order of the Health Minister would be reviewed. One of the proposals is to reduce the distance between the tables.

A working meeting is held today. May 4, with the Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, and representatives of the industry. The meeting will discuss all the requirements for the opening of the establishments. Some of the measures may be revised.