According to the magazine Le Point, which is basing its report on sources within the Elysée, the Prime Minister’s office and the ministry of finance, restaurants, brasseries and bistros will not be able to reopen until Easter – 6 April. Bars and cafes may not reopen until the start of June.
These dates are yet to be confirmed by the authorities.
Restaurants will need to rely on take-aways for the time being. The entire industry has been under immense strain for nearly one year.
The government will continue to support such businesses financially. In December an aid package was approved that reimburses businesses for 20% of lost revenue up to €200,000, if they have lost at least 70% of their revenue. Companies that turn over more than €1 million per month will have their operating costs reimbursed by the state and will not have to pay social security charges.
