State of emergency: 1,250 bars and ‘barracas’ compulsively closed across Mozambique – INAE

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State of emergency: 1,250 bars and ‘barracas’ compulsively closed across Mozambique – INAE

1:57 CAT | 06 Apr 2020

Photo: Noticias

At least 1,250 bars and ‘barracas’ selling alcoholic beverages across Mozambique were compulsorily closed on Saturday for not observing the administrative measures adopted by the Council of Ministers in the framework of the state of emergency in force in the country since April 1st.

A joint task force involving the National Inspection of Economic Activities (INAE), the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) and the municipal police is now enforcing Law 11/2020 of March 31, which implements the state of emergency.

According to Maria Rita Freitas, inspector general of the INAE, the non-compliance also extends to restaurants which, although allowed to remain open, were to introduce a series of adaptations, including a reduction in their workforce and the introduction of shifts, reducing the number of tables and regular disinfection of the establishment.

Maria Rita Freitas said some restaurant managers had tried to deceive inspectors by removing the chairs from inside their establishments but continuing to sell food and drinks for consumption in the vicinity of the establishments.

“Restaurants must provide table service, but they cannot allow the consumption of meals and alcoholic beverages in the vicinity [of the establishments], as this creates clusters of people, a situation that must be avoided in order to contain the spread of Covid-19,” she explained.

Similar provisions apply to bottle stores selling alcoholic drinks for off-consumption, which can continue to function as long as clients do not consume products in or near them.

Among various stipulations, the state of emergency determines the closure of entertainment establishments, specifically discos and gaming establishments, but also gyms, sports fields, museums, fairs, libraries and galleries, which “must, voluntarily, close because they are places for the agglomeration of people”.

Markets and formal retail outlets such as stores, supermarkets and grocery stores, may continue to operate, but only from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

In the last week, INAE inspected 2,187 establishments across the country and fined an undisclosed number of economic operators for prices speculation in staple products.

In addition to coercive measures, INAE is also urging entrepreneurs to close establishments with lectures explaining the new coronavirus and relevant preventative measures.

Source: Noticias