RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – São Paulo’s City Hall reported on Sunday, August 9th, that it shut down 58 bars the first weekend after they were released for operation until 10 PM throughout the capital.
There were 26 bars banned on Friday, August 7th, in the regions of Mooca, Itaquera, Santana, São Mateus, Sé and Vila Mariana. On Saturday, August 8th, there were 32 bars banned in regions such as Campo Limpo, Aricanduva, Freguesia do Ó, Guaianases, Perus, Ipiranga, Vila Prudente among others.
Inspection is performed daily to detect establishments exceeding the opening time allowed under the current regulations and whether tables are being offered on sidewalks, which is forbidden. Since the start of the pandemic, 943 establishments have been closed for non-compliance with city hall rules. Of these, 542 are bars, snack bars, cafeterias and similar.
The fine for each of these establishments is R$9,231.65 applied per 250 square meters of premises. The reopening is subject to authorization from the region’s subprefecture.
The authorization for bars to operate up to 10 PM was granted last Wednesday, August 5th. Until then, these establishments were allowed to operate until 5 PM at the latest. The first day with flexible working hours was on Thursday, but on this day there were no bans, says the city.
A maximum occupancy of 40 percent of the total capacity is mandatory for all locations. Mayor Bruno Covas announced last week that tables on sidewalks would be tested. The pilot project seeks to assess the feasibility of safely granting this measure. The experiment will begin in establishments located in the city center and, if successful, it may be expanded to the entire city.
Source: Veja