New rules: on February 28, there is no longer any need to wear a mask in places where the vaccination pass is requested, therefore in restaurants and bars. Consumption of food and drink can again be done while standing. Sanitary pass, gauge, reopening of nightclubs… Update on restrictions in France.
[Mis à jour le 16 février 2022 à 16h00] In view of the favorable evolution of the health situation in France due to the Covid epidemic, the government has unveiled a relief schedule restrictions in France, especially in restaurants, cafes and bars. He wanted to relax the rules. Wearing a mask, gauges, presentation of the vaccination pass, company canteens… What are the new rules and the latest changes?
Is the mask still compulsory in the restaurant?
As of February 28, 2022, Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory, from the age of 6, in places subject to a vaccination or health pass, therefore bars and restaurants. “Wearing a mask indoors will be maintained in transport and enclosed places not subject to the vaccination pass. In other closed places, subject to the vaccination pass, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory”, specifies a press release dated February 11, 2022, published on the website of the Ministry of HealthBased on the opinion of the High Council for Public Health issued on February 11, 2022 e. However, wearing a mask is still recommended in the event of a high density gathering of people.
Do I need a vaccination pass or a health pass at the restaurant?
Yes, the health pass or the vaccination pass (which replaces the health pass for those over 16) is compulsory to access bars and restaurants when consuming on site, from the age of 12. Only the activities of collective catering and the takeaway sale of prepared meals, professional road and rail catering, “room service” in hotel restaurants and bars and non-commercial catering, in particular the free distribution of meals, are not concerned by the health pass. The vaccination pass is also mandatory for individuals and employees who work in bars and restaurants. All French aged 16 and over will have to justify a full vaccination scheme for benefit a valid vaccination pass and go to the restaurant. For children 12 to 15 years, it will not be possible to go to a bar or restaurant with a single negative test, said Jean Castex January 20.
In summary :
► Mandatory vaccination/health pass for customers who consume or eat on site, and for people and employees who work. It must apply to catering services carried out at fairs, congresses and exhibitions, as well as in celebratory establishments (party halls, etc.).
| 12-15 years old | From 16 years old |
|---|---|
| Presentation of the health pass (therefore possibility of presenting a negative test) | Presentation of the vaccination pass (which therefore requires having a complete vaccination schedule) |
► Vaccination/health pass not compulsory for take-out sales, collective, professional, road and rail catering, room service in hotel bars and restaurants (as well as breakfasts) and the free distribution of meals.
Can we eat standing up?
Since Wednesday, February 16, 2022, the consumption of drinks or food can be done standing in bars and restaurants. It is therefore no longer necessary to be seated to drink and eat. Likewise, eating or drinking in cinemas, theaters and sports facilities is also permitted.
What is the maximum number of people per table?
The rule is to six people maximum obligatory seated by table, including children is no longer in force, according to the latest announcements from Jean Castex, the Prime Minister.
Is there a gauge?
No, since the end of June 2021, there is no longer a gauge in restaurants limiting the number of customers.
- Terrace : no gauge
- Inside : no gauge
What is the health protocol?
Restaurants and bars must comply with a health protocol.
- The rule of 6 customers seated per table (children included)
- The distance from 1 metre between each table
- The provision of hydroalcoholic gels at the entrance to the restaurant and at the exit, including on the terrace and also in the toilets. They must be positioned to ensure that they are actually used by users
- As far as possible, the menus must be presented in a form avoiding any contact (for example: slate, orally, QR code). The laminated menus will be cleaned between each manipulation and the paper menus will be for single use.
- Any contactless payment method (prepayment, bank transfer, bank cards, QR code, etc.) is preferred. (payment at the table)
- The obligation to display a QR code at the entrance to each establishment, but also the provision of a reminder book so as not to penalize people who do not have a smartphone
What rules for discotheques?
Closed due to the Covid pandemic, nightclubs and discos reopen on Wednesday February 16, 2022 in France, announced the Prime Minister after a press conference on Thursday 20 January. The health protocol remains to be defined by the government. Nevertheless, we can assume that:
- Vaccination pass is mandatory to access the discotheque
- Wearing a mask is not compulsory inside. “Wearing a mask indoors will be maintained in transport and enclosed places not subject to the vaccination pass. In other closed places, subject to the vaccination pass, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory.“, says the press release of February 11, 2022 from the Ministry of Health.
- “There will be no more restrictions on the consumption of drinks“, confirmed Gabriel Attal, government spokesperson, after the Council of Ministers of February 15, 2022.
Standing concerts have resumed since February 16 in compliance with the health protocol.
What rules for company restaurants?
The company health protocol was updated on January 3, 2022:
► Rules for distancing:
- Bring the distancing to 2 meters “between each guest, when wearing a mask cannot be guaranteed at the time of catering, unless a fixed or removable wall provides physical separation“. This means that there must be an empty place in front of and next to each person.
- The distance between each table must be at least 2 meters.
- Wearing a mask when traveling and in queues
- The distance when moving around the restaurant or during queues is 1 meter (hidden).
► Rule for gauges:
- A space of 8m² per person is mandatory,
► Rule for ventilation:
- In addition to “the aeration and ventilation provided for by the regulations, the sheet recommends aeration “a few minutes every hour” via two distinct points, door and window and no longer “as often as possible”.