- Let me be extremely clear. I don't want to see any crowded outdoor dining in Stockholm or anywhere else. These are not tips that are rules to follow, otherwise businesses will close. It's a sharp situation now.

This is how Interior Minister Mikael Damberg's message to the Swedish people sounded at a press conference on Friday.

But not everyone has listened. Outside some pubs in Stockholm it was crowded on Friday night. Photos and videos show people sitting close to outdoor seating, standing in groups or waiting in line - some wearing student caps.

"Many guests do not take this seriously"

When SVT News reaches the owner of one of the restaurants that is visible, he says that he himself was not present during the Friday night, but that he previously noticed that it is very difficult to get guests to follow the orders.

- We have put up signs about the new rules, we do not allow ordering at the bar and the staff keep their distance when taking table orders. But many guests do not take this seriously. They come in larger groups and want to sit as a company.

But is it not your responsibility?

- Yes, and we do our best. But we should already check many other things like age, that no drugs are used and that no one smokes too close to the outdoor dining area. I would have rather seen that the authorities closed the restaurants and pubs completely and that the state provided greater financial compensation. As it is now, the authorities place the entire responsibility on us.

Eight inspectors on duty during Friday

In total, the environmental management in Stockholm City conducted 32 inspections during Friday night and night. Of these, eleven received a remark, which means that deficiencies must be addressed. During the week, the municipality has increased its work with controls.

"The schedule has been laid down so that it covers times when most people can be assumed to be moving out and inspections have been increased from two to four days a week," says Kristine Fornander, acting head of the food department at the Environmental Management.

On Friday, the City of Stockholm had eight inspectors in service. In total, the municipality has conducted about 250 inspections. To date, no restaurant or pub has lost its state because of the new rules.