Few fines, if any, for cafes who break terrace social distancing laws

So far very few, if any, cafes have been fined for not keeping to the 1.5 metre social distancing rule on terraces, the AD said on Friday.

The paper asked 56 of the country’s 355 local authorities about their strategy to deal with cafe terrace infringements and none said their wardens had issued any fines.

However, officials have handed out 141 official warnings.

Cafes and bars were reopened on June 1 under strict rules. No more than 30 guest could be inside, as long as the 1.5 metre rule was observed. In addition, everyone, both inside and outside should have a seat.

Bar owners who did not stick the rules faced a fine of up to €4,000.

From July 1, the 30 guest limit will be dropped, as long as social distancing is observed. Cafes will also be able to put outside tables closer together, if they use screens to separate them.

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