Since a few days back, the restaurants, bars and retail stores in Lithuania have been opening in a phased manner. The country’s Ministry of Health has prepared a list of safety rules to be followed by everyone without fail. The measures mention that only a limited number of people can visit shops at the same time, masks should be worn by everyone at public places and tables at a restaurant should have a gap of six feet.
Apparently, maintaining the gap of six feet would post a challenge for small restaurants lining the narrow lanes of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. However, the Mayor of the city has thought of opening the public areas for al-fresco dining, thus, making room for outdoor cafes in parks and the main square.
According to the latest reports, the plazas, squares, streets will be permitted to be used for running outdoor cafés without any rentals this season. This move will also give the much needed support for the small eatery businesses to survive in the current financially challenging times.
The Lithuanian Association of Hotels and Restaurants have gladly welcomed this plan by commenting that this move came just in time.
Reportedly, following the example of Lithuania, New York City may also move towards outdoor dining.
As per the proposal, the licensing fees shall be waived off for the year 2020, and the city would also return the eatery the licensing fee that has been already paid to renew or apply for a license.
Well, eating at a café under the sky and stars might be a good change for the citizens of Vilnius this year. No?