Update on the Maximum Number of People for Service in Restaurants

In the light of the very good epidemiological picture observed in Cyprus recently, the Ministry of Health has updated the Protocol (in Greek here) concerning the operation of catering facilities, which enters into force on 1 July 2020.

Specifically, the revised Protocol amends the following in relation to the maximum number of persons that can be served in restaurants:

– Despite the fact that the measure for keeping a distance of 3 sq. m. is still valid. for interiors and 2 sq. m. for outdoor spaces per person, regardless of the square footage of each premises, the maximum number of persons that can be served may not exceed 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. For example, if a property has 600 sq. m. outdoors and based on the measure for keeping a distance of 2 sq. m. per person, it could serve up to 300 people, with the new decision, the number of customers cannot exceed 200. If a property has 450 sq. m. indoors and based on the measure for keeping a distance of 3 sq. m. per person, it could serve up to 150 people, with the new decision, the number of people cannot exceed 100.
– The servicing of clients is done exclusively in table seat arrangement . If bars operate in the above establishments, the direct service of clients is prohibited and they are used only for the preparation of food and drinks by the staff of the premises.
– The above regulation applies only to the following categories of catering facilities provided for in the Decree (Here in Greek) of the Minister of Health, dated 5 June 2020:

o Restaurants
o Hotels and tourist accommodation
o Taverns
o Cafes
o Pizzerias
o Beers, snack bars and bars
o Cafes
o Canteens and / or dining areas for schools, sports clubs, cultural groups, clubs, etc.

It is emphasized that the above settings only apply to restaurants as shown above. In relation to mass gatherings in public places, such as weddings, christenings, festivals, and any other form of public gathering, the limit of 75 people indoors or 150 outdoors is still valid.

In addition, it is to be reminded that the organization and holding of concerts is allowed ONLY in outdoor amphitheaters and not in any other outdoor space (e.g. stadiums), and given that the instructions provided in the Protocol in Greek for the operation of outdoor amphitheaters are strictly observed.

It is clarified that the above regulation will be re-evaluated on the basis of epidemiological indicators as they will have been formed at the given time.