Will the French be able to meet on terraces or in restaurants before the start of summer? While the third wave is present, a protocol to reopen certain places is under discussion.
“From mid-May, we will resume opening certain places of culture with strict rules, we will authorize the opening of terraces under conditions and we will build between mid-May and the beginning of summer, a reopening schedule. progressive for culture, sport, leisure, events and our cafes and restaurants ” said Emmanuel Macron, during his well-attended televised intervention on Wednesday, March 31.
The terraces would reopen on Monday May 17 and between June 1 and June 15 for dining places serving indoors
The calendar has taken shape in recent days and it is now possible to tick a box in its calendar: Monday, May 17. According to Point, the world of catering should open to the French on this date. According to their information, only the terraces will be the first to experience the reopening. Bars, brasseries and cafes can expect to receive customers between June 1 and June 15. However, certain conditions must be ensured at the risk of experiencing yet another postponement, namely a considerable reduction in the number of cases, as well as a vaccination campaign which redoubles in intensity. If, however, the situation was not fair at the national level, the Executive could provide for adjustments and arbitrations at the regional or even local level.
A reopening plan in 3 phases
Hotel and restaurant professionals met with the government on March 5 to establish a “plan” for the reopening of these establishments in three stages spread over a period of one month. The union of hotel trades and industries and the National Group of Independents have made this known through a communicated published on Tuesday March 16. “Alain Griset (Minister Delegate for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) presented a reopening plan in 3 phases adding as a preamble that it will be accompanied by maintenance of aid from companies (partial activity, adaptation of the solidarity fund and exemption from charges employers) and the application of the reinforced sanitary protocol of September 2020 to which will be added a device for tracing customers by means of a QR code to be flashed upon entering the establishment “, can we read in the press release.
First phase: hotel restaurants and terraces
The first step would be to allow hotel restaurant customers to have breakfast in the dining room. Negotiations are currently underway so that hotel restaurants can receive customers in the morning and in the evening for dinner. As for cafes and restaurants with terraces, they will be able to accommodate their customers at the same time.
Second phase: establishments will be able to open their rooms indoors to 50% of their reception capacity
Cafes, restaurants and brasseries will be able to accommodate the French in their stores but within the limit of 50% of their capacity.
Third phase: a return to the situation of last October
A return almost to the “ normal “ is considered in this last act. The places of restoration will be able to welcome in the respect of barrier gestures the customers and a complete opening of the establishments will be from now on possible.
Health measures to be refined with the government
Obviously these dates and this reopening plan will depend on the impact of the vaccination and the evolution of the health situation. The health protocol that was to start in bars or restaurants has not been communicated for the moment. Distances between tables, gauge or even QR Code… Representatives of the catering industry have yet to negotiate these health measures with the government in the coming days.
