Stockholm City: Too crowded at many taverns

Stockholm's food and health protection inspectors began last week to inspect congestion at taverns, mainly daytime, following the Public Health Authority's demand for taverns to be read out between guests. This week, as more inspections were done in the evening and the focus on outdoor dining increased, more than half of the inspected pubs received comments appreciating the responsible manager.

- In some places it is a little too crowded, so the density between the tables is too crowded. What you say from the Public Health Authority is that it should be an arm's length distance, says Peter Brådenmark, Head of the Environmental Administration.

In some cases it has also been too close between bar stools at the bar counter. If it is too crowded, the inspectors will inform the pub owner what the matter is, then the remark will be followed up at the next visit. In principle everyone has corrected the shortcomings at the follow-up visit.

- The vast majority of pubs are positive, they think it's good that we come out. Some people find it difficult to know how to interpret this, says Peter Bratanmark, Head of Unit.

Inspections continue on Easter eve evening and during the weekend and although it is the pubs who have the main responsibility for spilling out there, Peter Brådenmark thinks that the pub guests should think about as well.

- If you stand outside a place where there are a lot of people, I think you should take responsibility by not going in without choosing another place, says Peter Brådenmark, unit manager.