Natia Turnava, Georgia‘s Economy minister, has warned restaurant owners of a harsh response from the government if they plan to open illegally on February 6.
“Our Ministry was accused of a lack of communication. This is not true.” We communicate almost daily with representatives of the hospitality sector, such as restaurant owners. It is understandable why many people are unhappy because restaurants cannot be opened anywhere else in Georgia except Adjara. This is not an excuse to ignore the epidemiological situation and break the law. Turnava said that the government would be harsh if the restaurants defy rules and reopen their doors on February 6.
She said that the Ministry of Economy and Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia continue to discuss the reopening plans of the restaurants, adding that she has “very high expectations” that they will make “concrete” decisions regarding the issue soon.
Over 200 restaurants plan to resume their operations in Georgia on Saturday, 6th February. This is in defiance of the strict anti-coronavirus regulations that limit restaurants and cafés to takeout only. Levan Qoqiashvili wrote a post on Facebook to announce the decision.
Since the government announced that most coronavirus-related measures would remain in effect until March, the number of anti-lockdown demonstrations in Georgia has increased.
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