The May Day weekend could help restaurants that have fallen on hard times.
The Kappeli terrace in Helsinki is expected to be buzzing on May Day weekend.
Image: Tiina Jutila / Yle
May Day brunches usually keep restaurants busy, but coronavirus restrictions are preventing tables from fully booking up. To attract customers, restaurants are setting up outdoor eating spaces and May Day to-go bags.
The bulk of all business is expected for Saturday. Our tables are well-reserved for Saturday, especially for brunch, said director of SOK s accommodation and catering chain management,
Harri Havia.
Around 70 percent of SOK’s 500 restaurants and bars will be open for business over the weekend. Their main focus is on establishments serving food.
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The Finnish Hospitality Association says continued restrictions are difficult for the industry, but acceptable.
A restaurant at an igloo hotel in Levi, Finnish Lapland (file photo).
Image: Levin Iglut - Golden Crown
The Finnish government has proposed an extension of restrictions on restaurants, bars and cafés through the end of June. The current rules are in force until the end of February.
The centre-left cabinet submitted the proposed amendment to the Communicable Diseases Act to Parliament on Thursday. The restrictions were temporarily added to the law last May.
Timo Lappi, CEO of the Finnish Hospitality Association (MaRa) says the continuation of restrictions is difficult for the industry, but that he was satisfied with Thursday s decision.