The government extended the ban on night-time alcohol sales by a month

Stenbock House, 15 October 2020 – Today, the government decided to extend the nationwide ban on night-time alcohol sales by one month, until 24 November.

According to Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, the spread of the coronavirus is stabilising with the help of the existing restrictions, but the danger has not passed. Therefore, the government considers it justified to continue with the restriction on night-time alcohol sales.

According to him, the government also considers it important to strengthen the supervision of local governments and other involved institutions over the implementation of the restriction. The Police and Border Guard Board has identified a number of ways how people try to circumvent the restriction. “The rules are designed to protect our own health and that of all of our loved ones, and they must be followed. By circumventing the restrictions, we are only increasing the spread of the infection,” said Ratas.

The prime minister added that if the restriction continues to be circumvented, the government will be forced to consider imposing additional restrictions on catering and entertainment establishments selling alcohol. “Although the restriction is being circumvented by individual operators, the impact of their actions on the spread of the virus and on other law-abiding operators could be significant,” he said.

The nationwide restriction on the night-time sale of alcohol came into force in Estonia on 25 September. As the risk of the nationwide spread of coronavirus remains high, the government extended the restriction for one month, until 24 November (inclusive). The government will reassess the need for the restriction at least 10 days before it expires.

The restriction means that from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m., the sale of alcohol is prohibited in all places where alcohol is sold for consumption on the spot, such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

The restriction on the sale of alcohol does not apply on board of an aircraft used for the international carriage of passengers, in the security restricted area of an international airport, and at a point of sale located beyond the on-board inspection gates in the waiting area of a passenger terminal of an international port. There is also no restriction on guests staying in accommodation establishments using the accommodation’s minibars and during breakfast.

The government relies on the support of both the Health Board and the Science Council, which advises the government, in imposing the national restriction on alcohol sales.

Possessors of the media must immediately publish the content of the order pursuant to the Alcohol Act. The Government Communication Unit will send a formal notification concerning the matter.

In addition to Riigi Teataja, the order is also published on the website kriis.ee.