São Paulo extends drinking hours in restaurants in capital and 5 yellow phase regions

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The São Paulo state government on February 19th, announced that it has extended the time for alcoholic beverage consumption in restaurants in the state’s regions in the yellow phase of the São Paulo Plan, from 8 PM to 10 PM.

In the new plan reclassification coordinating the measures to ease quarantine, two regions progressed in phase and two moved up, but the Greater São Paulo region, which includes the capital, remains in the yellow phase.

Along with the most populous region in the state, five others are in the yellow phase: Araçatuba, Sorocaba, Registro, Baixada Santista and Campinas. In all of them, the new rule extending drinking hours will be in force.

State Secretary of Economic Development Patricia Ellen explained that the decision was made after meetings with bar and restaurant sector representatives.

“A protocol was reviewed through discussions. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, which was banned after 8 PM, is now allowed until 10 PM, according to all protocols, respecting the 40% capacity [of maximum occupancy of the establishments],” said Patricia during a São Paulo state government press conference on the covid-19 pandemic.

“This model is being reviewed by allowing sale and consumption in yellow phase regions, but it continues to be in force in orange and red phases. This update was based on ongoing work with the sectors,” the secretary added.

In today’s reclassification, the region of Franca moved from the more restrictive red phase to orange, while Sorocaba moved from orange to yellow. Presidente Prudente moved from yellow straight to red, and Barretos moved from orange to only essential services operation.

The new São Paulo Plan reclassification comes into force on Monday, February 22nd. The last update was made two weeks ago, on February 5th.