FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We would like to share the following items, which describe the impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the industry.
Check out our page on the FIVS website that offers news of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our industry around the world. We are updating this webpage as new information becomes available.
Government assistance
India – The Delhi government has reportedly allowed restaurant bars, hotels, and clubs in the city to sell their stock of beer expiring on 31 July 2020 to liquor shops. Bars have not been allowed to open since 25 March 2020, when India’s nationwide lockdown was announced. This is the third time the government has given relief to these businesses to help minimise their losses due to the lockdown.
Pandemic driving acute alcohol poisoning?
Mexico – The state of Coahuila reportedly registered an 85% increase in acute alcohol poisoning compared with the same week in 2019. Experts suggest the increase may be linked to the coronavirus pandemic as 40,000 jobs were lost during the past four months.
Opening up
Philippines – The Philippine government is reportedly permitting restaurants with dine-in operations to now serve customers up to two alcohol beverages.
United Kingdom – Pubs, restaurants, hotels, and cafes in the south of Scotland are now allowed to open with safety measures in places, including the requirement that customers provide contact details for tracking purposes following any potential positive cases of coronavirus.
Closing down
Australia – Pubs in Australia are reportedly welcoming tougher rules as COVID-19 outbreaks worsen.
Ireland – The Government of Ireland has reportedly decided to delay the reopening of Ireland’s pubs and nightclubs until 10 August. Pubs that serve food may continue to serve alcohol beverages with a substantial meal.
Kenya – The Kenyan government is reportedly considering banning the sale of alcohol to customers eating in business establishments, only permitting sales of wines and spirits to those ordering take-away.
Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s governor has reportedly announced the closure of bars, gyms, marinas, theaters, and casinos after the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases increased ten-fold since the end of June 2020. She also announced the prohibition of alcohol beverage sales after 19h00 and, more recently, the ban of sales of alcohol on Sundays.
South Korea – Beginning on 25 July 2020, South Korea will ban drinking alcohol beverages and eating after 19h00 at large beaches across the nation to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The measure will affect 21 beaches that had more than 300,000 visitors last year. Violators can be fined approximately US$2,500.
United States – As the average number of COVID-19 cases nearly doubled between June and July 2020 in the state of California, its governor has reportedly directed the closure of all indoor restaurants, theaters, wineries, museums, cardrooms, and family entertainment centers such as bowling alleys and arcades. In most counties, restaurants may operate outdoor patios, but the new restrictions require bars to close all operations, indoors and out. Other states, such as Colorado and Illinois, have taken similar restrictive measures.
Zimbabwe – A legislator has reportedly urged the President of Zimbabwe to criminalise the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol beverages as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 cases.