One meter distance on the tavern: "Significantly clearer to the pubs"

In its general advice, the Public Health Authority writes: “What constitutes a safe distance from the point of view of infection control is judged on the basis of the layout of the premises, the number of visitors and the circumstances in the rest of the restaurant. Visitors should be able to keep at least one meter distance from other parties. "

Peter Brådenmark is the unit manager at the environmental administration in Stockholm city. He says the distance has been under discussion this past week.  

- In the past we have talked about just over an arm's length. This is not such a big difference, he says.

But Peter Brådenmark welcomes the clarification because the earlier wording could be interpreted differently in different municipalities.

- I think, above all, that it becomes much clearer to the pubs, then they know that you have this rough meter to relate to, he says.

Peter Bratanmark also seeks to remind the guests of their own responsibility to keep their distance.

Carl Johan Swanson is head of communications at the trade organization Visita, which represents, among other things, the pub and restaurant. He shares the view that it will not be that much different from before, but thinks clarity is good.

- So far, we have not received any major reactions, he says.

Visita's members, on the other hand, have reacted to the previous general councils on distance, says Carl Johan Swanson. He says that they do what they can but that the guests happen to ignore the rules, despite requests from the staff.

- I do not feel that our members see the advice on distance as a problem in their activities. On the other hand, it should be remembered that the guest must also take responsibility.

The hotel and restaurant union chair Malin Ackholt also welcomes the clarification and emphasizes the importance of a working working environment.

- We have to rely on what the expertise is. We make no other assessment than the Public Health Authority and it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that this is followed.