Dine-in restos, bars may open until 9 pm – IATF
The government has allowed the longer operating hours of dine-in food establishments in community quarantine areas.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has issued a resolution allowing restaurants and bars to offer dine-in services until 9 p.m., according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
“Restaurants, cafes and bars are hereby allowed to operate at 30 percent operational capacity provided that venue capacity allows for social distancing protocols and that such establishments are compliant with the proper protocols prescribed by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry),” the IATF said in Resolution No. 48 .
“In this regard, the operation of these dine-in establishments is hereby allowed to operate up to 9:00 P.M.” it added.
Restaurants located in clubhouses and similar establishments are also allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity and until 9 p.m. based on the IATF decision.
Roque said the latest IATF amendment to the rules governing restaurant operations came after curfew hours have been shortened in some local government units.
“Hinabaan pa po ang pagkain sa restaurant hanggang 9 o’clock in the evening. Kasi nga ang curfew binago na rin hanggang 10 to 5, so hanggang 9 na po pupwede tayong mag dine-in (Dine-in services in restaurants have been extended until 9 in the evening because the curfew has been changed to 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. So now, we can dine-in until 9 p.m.),” he said during a Palace press briefing Tuesday.
In line with efforts to reopen the economy and generate livelihood for Filipinos, the government has gradually relaxed the restrictions on dine-in restaurants and fast food establishments early this month.
Dine-in restaurants in GCQ areas like Metro Manila have been allowed to operate at 30 percent seat capacity effective June 15. In modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas, restaurants can accommodate dinecustomers up to 50 percent capacity of the store since June 1.
These restaurants however have been mandated by the government to observe health protocols such as thermal checks, safe distancing, frequent sanitation, and contactless ordering and payment to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.