Support for bars forced to close during COVID-19

Abstract

As in other EU members, the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta has been characterised by several 'waves' of cases. The first wave of cases occurred, and many businesses were ordered to close, between March 2020 and May 2020. Business units re-opened in May 2020, however cases began to increase again in July 2020, this climb in cases was reversed in November 2020, however cases climbed again in December 2020 and continued to do so up until February 2021. In terms of new cases, active cases and deaths, each of these three wave was worse than the one that preceded it. Whilst the first wave of cases resulted in the closure of several businesses, such closures were limited between July 2020 and February 2021. One sector which was forced to close during this period were bars and related businesses. On August 17, bars and nightclubs were closed (but bars where patrons are seated and food is served as well as restaurants were excluded). On October 29 2020, bars were ordered to close (this excluding snack bars and kiosks, which were not allowed to sell alcohol and also had to close between 11pm and 5am). Subsequently, in January and February 2021 Government announced state measures which provided financial assistance to bars.